Woman Wanted To Get A Cat And Feed It Vegan Dry Food, Roommate Passes That On To The Shelter Worker And They Decline Her Application
Interview With AuthorIt’s a well-known fact that having a pet makes your life significantly better. Of course, it’s a huge responsibility, and one should always plan ahead and be absolutely sure that they’ll be able to give the animal the life they deserve. It’s like taking care of a child, where your full attention isn’t concentrated on yourself anymore, and you’re now in charge of keeping someone alive and happy.
Some pets require a little bit more care than others, as their nutrition, diets and daily activity plans could vary. What’s more, it’s the owner’s obligation to understand the needs of their furry friend and follow the requirements, even if they don’t match their personal beliefs.
However, this Redditor shared a story about their vegan roommate and her grand idea of adopting a kitten that she planned to put on a plant-based diet. The post received nearly 18K upvotes and over 2K comments worth of engaging discussion regarding the seriousness of the situation.
More info: Reddit
Cats don’t do well on a vegan diet, but some people seem to think otherwise
Image credits: cloudzilla
The OP decided to take it to one of Reddit’s communities and find out whether she was wrong for getting in the way of her roommate and the animal shelter employee when she caught her lying.
Woman secretly wants to feed her cat vegan dry food but her roommate reveals the truth to the shelter employee
Image credits: hotsauce245
The woman started off by explaining that she has a roommate who is a vegan, who was actively looking into adopting a cat. Before visiting the shelter, the OP’s roommate purchased all the things that a cat could possibly need. However, once the food arrived, the OP was shocked as it turned out to be a plant-based dry food.
Image credits: hotsauce245
The OP tried explaining to the future pet owner that feeding a cat plant-based food, even if it’s allegedly made for cats, is not a great idea. Moreover, having just dry food in the diet could lead to several health issues. But sadly enough, the roommate didn’t listen and insisted on the fact that everything would be fine.
Image credits: hotsauce245
The OP gave up on the argument and drove her roommate to an animal shelter. Naturally, the employee began to ask several questions regarding the house situation and whether the women have any other pets. When she got to nutrition questions, though the OP’s roommate blatantly lied and said that she would be feeding her potential cat Hills.
The OP couldn’t believe it, so she waited until her roommate had her attention on something else and told the employee about her vegan diet plan. The application was denied and when the OP decided to tell the truth, her roommate locked herself in her room.
Image credits: hotsauce245
The roommate continued to use the silent treatment on the OP, and even received some critique from their mutual friend – until something suspicious happened.
The OP edited her post and updated the fellow Redditors about her roommate being mysteriously late, but as it turned out, she was busy buying a cat off of someone. The woman later revealed that she plans on feeding the cat separately as she already has a dog, so it won’t be a burden and that she will ask her vet to change her roommate’s mind and convince her about the benefits of feeding the cat meat.
Image credits: hotsauce245
Bored Panda contacted the author and asked her to give us a bit more information regarding the story:
The cat that the OP’s roommate bought turned out to be a 10-week-old kitten covered in fleas. The women took the pet straight to the vet, where he currently remains due to severe dehydration and treatment for an infection. The OP also said that the kitten is getting neutered and that he’ll finally be home tomorrow.
Image credits: hotsauce245
In addition, we asked the woman if there’s any advice she would like to give to people that plan to have their pets on a vegan diet. She revealed that the main tip would be to constantly stay in contact with your vet. Regular check-ups are a must, sometimes as frequently as every other month to ensure that the pet is doing well, as feeding a vegan diet to a carnivore isn’t easy, nor it should be.
The OP also mentioned that it’s crucial to research the species/breed before getting an animal. It’s equally important to ask yourself if you can provide the animal with a diet that it needs. If you can’t, there are plenty of other pets you can own that would be more suitable for you and just as fun.
Fellow Redditors supported the OP’s decision
439Kviews
Share on FacebookI've run into this sort of malignant stubbornness. What I don't understand is why rigid vegans like this don't adopt herbivorous pets. Guinea pigs and rabbits can be very cuddly, and don't need meat to thrive.
They also require more space and care than most people realize. Did you know, for example, that rabbits need to continuously eat or else they develop something called GI stasis? They'll generally die within a few days once this happens. They need hay *every* day, they actually can't have carrots too often because they contain too much sugar, digging is instinctive and they will 100% destroy furniture, carpet, beds, clothes, and whatever else they try to burrow into, and they'll chew literally anything (wires, paper, cardboard, and baseboards are favorites). People need to do research on any animal they're considering for a pet, because a lot of information that gets passed around from word of mouth is inaccurate at best and completely wrong at worst.
Load More Replies...My cat is fed with dried food only, I tried every type of wet food on the market plus made her food myself and she just will not eat any of it. However, I get the best dry food available and my vet is happy with that. The food I buy is about 93% meat protein. I'm a vegetarian myself but I would never try to feed my pet that diet.
Feeding cats and dogs "vegan" is about the dumbest, most anthropocentric thing to do.
There is a huge difference between cats and dogs though. Dogs are omnivores, cats are very much carnivores and really can't eat anything else.
Load More Replies...Someone this stupid and selfish should not have an animal. I've got a cat who has had bladder stones, plugged up his penis, had to be catheterized twice and is now on special urinary food for life. Its no joke and terribly distressing for the animal. He would cry and growl at his penis.
It killed 2 of my parents' cats before they realized what was happening and switched to canned food. So sad.
Load More Replies...IF YOU CAN'T STAND TO FEED YOUR CARNIVOROUS PET MEAT, GET A BIRD OR A RABBIT.
Birds need egg food for vitamin A otherwise they die of a slow horrible infection. So birds are only vegetarian, not vegan. :-)
Load More Replies...She knew it was wrong, because she lied to the woman at the shelter. If you're not prepared to feed an animal properly and ensure it gets necessary veterinary care, then do NOT get the animal.
She lied because she realized it would be perceived as wrong. That's not quite the same as knowing its wrong.
Load More Replies...Aside from obvious issues here, why are cat food producers allowed to sell vegan cat food, if that is apparently not suficient for cats? There should be regulations.
Yes, but the pet industry is full of products that are harmful because it's all about appealing to the buyer, not the pet.
Load More Replies...This is horrifying! I'm glad the OP is taking measures to save the poor cats life. The part of this that scares me the most is learning that there is a company making vegan cat food. How is that even legal‽ There certainly has to be some sort of regulation on pet products, right? Vegan cat food can't be even the slightest bit legal.
Cats. Are. Obligate. Carnivores. I am lifelong vegetarian. My cats eat only meat. Why? It's what is necessary for them. It isn't necessary for *me*, b/c I can digest proteins and amino acids from other foods. You can't feed beef to a horse, and you can't feed hay to a cat. It's not hard, folks. Geez.
Vegan does not mean no protein at all! If she is getting her protein from another source what harm could it be... She is getting all her added vitamins and minerals she needs in the cat food formula she needs as well.
Load More Replies...Cats----> Vegan diet= BAD AND UNHEALTHY. There are plenty of animals that are vegan/vegetarian (like rabbits, for example) but dogs and cats? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Cats deserve better than this, and the same goes for dogs. Your philosophies are not the diet of another living, breathing animal.
I expect people will disagree with me, but I am on the fence about vegan dog food. There is some out there that has been very carefully formulated to contain everything that dogs need. It's better (IMO) than a lot of the cheaper regular dog food that many people use. I know one person who feeds her two dogs on this diet (it's expensive, but she won't compromise her principles) and they are both extremely healthy animals with lots of energy and lovely shiny coats, good teeth etc. They are three and five years old, get regular vet checkups and have never had any issues. The same CANNOT be said for cats, and I don't think that vegan cat food should be allowed to exist.
Load More Replies...Vegan diets are hard enough on human digestive systems, and we're omnivores. Cats are strictly carnivores. They have to eat meat.
Want your pet to be a vegan? Get a bunny, fish or a rodent. That's very simple. 🤷
Fish eat meat though. Some rodents need insects. A bunny, yes I agree.
Load More Replies...This is the equivalent of reporting child abuse - because the law doesn't see pets as anything other than property - but due to the safety of the pet, the shelter used it's own form of mandated reporting. Worrying about being the asshole is one thing; I'd be worried about having to continue to be the roommate.
In the UK the Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it a criminal offence to feed an animal an inappropriate diet. It has been clarified that vegan or vegetarian diets are inappropriate for cats and dogs unless there is a medical need to do so. It is basically illegal to feed your cat or dog a vegan diet in the UK.
Your cat will die pretty quickly much sooner than the law can intervene
Load More Replies...Your roommates is an idiot. She seems to know shes wrong otherwise why lie to the shelter person? Also why not just take her vegan diet dump it and replace it with hill in the vegan packaging. Something tells me she will never know..
Why do vegans insist on shoving their lifestyles on others, be pretentious if you want, but leave everyone else the bleep alone, I'll eat meat until I die or it kills me
not all vegans are like that. you eat what you want, no one's stopping you.
Load More Replies...As a vegan, I was taking care of a cat and a dog (both now sadly deceased) and it would never have occurred to me to impose my human wishes on them. Anyone trying to raise a carnivore/omnivore animal as a vegan should not be allowed to keep that animal. Why not get some guinea pigs or a rabbit, or an animal that is already vegan (like an elephant!!)
NTA If you want your pet to be vegan, adopt a rabbit. Don't get an obligate carnivore if you are opposed to feeding it the diet it needs to be healthy. It's animal abuse. When your roommate is adopting a pet with the stated intention of abusing it by withholding proper nutrition and vet care, you have a moral obligation to inform the shelter.
We all need to acknowledge the real culprit here - some business scamming people into buying their 'vegan' pet food. Vegan cat food itself should be illegal to make, much less sell and use.
In Europa, it is illegal to put pets on vegan diets. Prison time. I do not understand the hostility that vegans have towards non-vegans; as if they expect us to adapt to their diets
No, it is not illegal. You can get vegan cat or dog food in Germany without problems. Everything that is missing due to the lack of meat has been added as a supplement, therefore it is not considered animal abuse to feed it. However, it is still highly processed food, everybody should be very much aware of that. I am vegan myself but my cats are definitely not! They can chose between different sorts of wet and dry food inside (very mixed preferences in my crowd!) as well as they are always free to go outside and catch something. During the summer months I need very little canned food as they are mostly on a "raw mouse diet"...
Load More Replies...Well, Hills is basically vegan.... fillers, crap and no real meat, so she only lied a little. Vets are paid to shill Hills, it's no better than Dog Chow, but much more expensive.
It is sad how many crap I have seen being recommended or sold in vets. Mostly the expensive fancy brands that are half corn/other fillers and get the worst meat.
Load More Replies...OP NTA. It is okay to step in when other's (whether human or animals) health and safety are in danger. In this case, the cat wouldn't have stood a chance if it did only eat vegan food as OP said they are carnivores. I has 3 senior rescues dogs myself and we used to have a cat too, so it really breaks my heart when I hear stories like this. If you don't want to have the responsibility of taking care a pet, that includes giving them the proper they need not feeding them with our own agendas, please do not own a pet. Don't even think about it. Get Tamagochi instead!
There are three classes of carnivores. Obligates for example Cats and Orcas. Faculative (Not yet proven. But is a class of Omnivore) is a carnivore that prefers meat but can survive on plants if it has to go to that option for a short duration. A example of a Faculative Carnivore are dogs and wolves. Then you have an Omnivore a carnivore that can choose to eat either meat or plants but to have balanced nutrition they still have to eat something meat. Which is why bears will graze on plants until the Salmon Run begins. Bears and humans are good examples of Omnivores. Cats are Obligated Carnivores. Meaning they can only survive on meat products. Yes they do eat some plants but it is mainly when they have a stubborn hair ball or an upset stomach. But the thing is that their digestive system is actually not designed or adapted for eating plant materials. Dogs have somewhat of an adaptation for eating plants. Bears have the same digestive adaptations as dogs as well. But Felines don't.
Some people will make products as long as consumers buy them. The fact a product exists does not make it healthy....tobacco?? It is all about physiology. Plant material takes longer to digest and requires a longer digestive tract. We humans have a very long tract, and can consume only plant-based quite easily. Cats are pure carnivores, with a short digestive tract. It makes them slim, less bulky, and excellent hunters. They cannot fully digest only plant-based food.
My roommate adopted a cat last week. After moving in with me she saw my cat and got really into cats. She asked me to make a shopping list. Bought everything i told her. At first she thought she'd feed the cat low quality cheap food. But when i told her about cat nutrition and why she's supposed to feed her cat high quality food, she didn't even argue. Anything she was curious about, she would ask me and would research everything. She asked me to contact rescuers i trust. And i was the one who picked out her cat for her. Not because i'm a cat expert, but because i have been doing the cat thing for 3 years and she was clueless. Of course you have to listen to people who know better. And i know that she loves that cat very much, that the little thing is in safe hands now. I'm a vegetarian myself, aspiring to be vegan and i would never force my cat into my diet. Giving the best life possible to the animals under your care actually is a part of veganism.
I have a vegan friend. They have a dog and fish and guess what, they still feed their animals MEAT because they're not cruel. If you don't want to feet meat to a carnivore, don't have carnivore for a pet.
In addition to the vegan diet stupidity, Ragdolls have extra needs - I would never recommend this breed to novice cat owners (note that I have had Ragdolls for over 30 years). They are prone to early kidney disease and a host of other disorders that will be exacerbated by a poor diet. OP should get that poor little boy out of her roommate's hands ASAP!
If you don't want to feed your pet meat, get rabbits or guinea pigs. They make wonderful pets and need a diet completely free of animal products.
Plus, guinea pigs look like potatoes. That's funny.
Load More Replies...There is a pretty popular guy in my city, who is passionate about sport and healthy life style. He became vegan along with his family and, at some point, he has started bragging on fb about how his dog eats only vegan food and is happy and healthy. After serious criticism and some calls to the authority for animals protection, he deleted the posts. But I'm not sure the dog got proper food...
Nah. Her roommate is garbage. There's nothing holistic and natural about a vegan diet for a cat. They can eat some plants but they absolutely need mostly meat/or fish In their diet. If she's really into holistic lifestyle she'll understand that includes an organic source of meat/fish, raw where possible, for a cat. She better get a different type of animal or just not have one.
Vegan pet food is deadly to cats. This is why the USA banned Tender Vittles from the USA. There was no actual meat, there was addictive chemicals in the food which was why cats clawed the pouches open despite being well fed and despite bowls of dry food. Forcing a vegan diet with cereal type foods will lead to diabetes, which had I known this when I was a kid, would never have purchased in the first place. Two of my cats died from tumors, caused by diabetes. I had to give them shots daily. All because of Tender vittles.
Cats need taurine, which is only found in meat. So feeding a plant only diet would be detrimental to that cat.
This trend od people wanting to feed their cats and dogs a vegan diet is alarming. If, as a human, your personal choice is to follow a vegan diet, great! You do what you believe is good for you. However, do not presume to have a largely carnivorous pet, such as a cat or dog and think that feeding them a vegan diet is even a remotely good idea. You cannot subject your pet to a lifestyle that isn't right for them simply due to your own personal beliefs. If you think this is okay, then you aren't fit to have that kind of pet (or any pet for that matter). I'm a proponent of feeding raw, however I can understand squeamishness (I guess, doesn't bother me lol), particularly if you don't eat meat. Invest in a high quality kibble or freeze-dried raw if that's the case. There are options. And i agree with the sentiment, that it's a hypocrisy for a vegan to engage in that level of animal neglect for their own needs.
Feeding an animal food that will not provide key nutrients, and can lead to malnutrition, is animal cruelty, plain and simple. I wonder what will happen to the Vegan when her cat brings her a dead mouse or bird for the first time...
Hahahaha... isn't that roomie going to shıt a brick when her cat realizes people are made of meat. She better sleep with one eye open, cuz otherwise she'll wake to find kitty eating her eyelids.
Well, theres vegans and there is stupid. At the end of the day you have to understand that cats/dogs are meat eaters. Now I know your argument of “well their domesticated” doesnt freaking matter. Cats and dogs won’t survive well without meat. Most humans can but not all.
Well... I know quite some people who are vegan and have vegan catfood BUT they also allow their cat to hunt mice and whateverelse it wants. I dont get why people get so bonkers about vegan pet food. If it contains the exakt nutrients a pet needs then whats the problem? Next to that: Cats would never eat chicken, cow, pig or anything like that, naturally. They eat small critter and small birds so usual catfood also is not a natural source of nutrients.
Rigid thinking mental problem people wont accept fact you see this in antivaxers!
I'm vegan myself and I would never do that to an animal. I know pet food from the store can be laced with a lot of chemicals, additives, etc. Tbh I'm more of a let the animals be rather than a domesticate and keep them at home kind of person. We shouldn't be the ones deciding for the animals what to eat well except for too domesticated ones who can't figure it out on their own. I support wildlife. If I see a cat about to eat a bird, I'm not going to stop it, I won't watch either. I'll just let nature be.
Not only is she a sub par pet parent, but she's obviously not a vegan for the right reasons. It doesn't seem she's too concerned with making sure the cat is healthy. And she wants to do holistic medicine? There's no way this person should have an animal. Any animals. She's more concerned about making sure the animal adheres to her way of life than making sure they're happy and healthy. I would wait til she's gone and give the cat to a no kill. May sound extreme but I don't care. She shouldn't have an animal
To all vegans out there... I understand your life choices, I've been vegan myself even though my body didn't go well on it at all (and yes I did balance my food so it wouldn't miss on any nutritions, but it just gave me permanent diarrhea for months on end until I stopped being vegan). But cats are carnivores. Their body doesn't go well on anything plant based. Just because something is there doesn't mean it's good. Just because there are super tiny hamster cages doesn't mean it's good for hamsters. Just because there are open metal wheels for hamsters doesn't mean they can't break a leg in it. Just because there's a McDonald's doesn't mean eating hamburgers every day is good for you. And just because there's vegan cat food doesn't mean it's healthy for cats. Vets see way too often cats with all kinds of problems because they are on a vegan diet. Ask literally any vet. (continues)
You vegans say you don't want to contribute to animal harm and abuse. Why do you think that it's right to abuse your own pet with food that's totally unnatural for their bodies? If you want to be vegan, fine! But don't abuse a carnivore animal by forcing it to eat like a rabbit and give your cat what it needs. And if you don't have the heart to give a cat (or dog) what it needs, then please just don't get a cat/dog, or if you already have one when you decide to become vegan, rehome your pet and make sure they find a forever home with someone who is willing to give them what they need. And guess what, rabbits and guinea pigs are also AMAZING pets! So if you want a pet that eats rabbit food, get a rabbit! Or guinea pigs! Amazing fun, sweet, cuddly creatures that actually fits right in your lifestyle as a vegan!
Load More Replies...The fact that a vegan pet food for cats exists is gross. I hope they get sued to hell and back. This RM was apparently desperate for a cat. The fact that she lied is just disgusting. Do research on animals before you just get a pet. I thought everyone knew cats were carnivores?? Yeesh
I've been vegetarian for 16 years, but whenever I babysit my brother's dog, I always feed him his proper food, plus sometimes even cook some chicken for him. I don't like it but it's part of the dog's diet in order to be healthy, and that's the most important thing, not my dietary beliefs.
I'm a vegetarian, but I would never think of giving my pet a vegan diet.
I'm vegan but I would never do that to my cats. cats can and will pass away in a very horrible way from being fed a vegan diet. If you can't take care of the pet like they need to be taken care of then don't get that pet. There's plenty of vegan pets like guinea pigs and rabbits.
The roommate did the right thing. The vegan is a bad vegan you're supposed to care about the animals. And just because it says its for a certain pet doesn't mean it's ok for it to eat, Companies just want to make money and don't care about the animals most of the time.
Load More Replies...If she wants a vegan pet, tell her to get guinea pigs instead of forcing her lifestyle on and unwilling participant.
Yo mad props to this roommate. I cannot fucken stand this vegan pet s**t. It should be illegal for them to sell vegan pet food. I have tons of vegan friends with cats and they ALL FEED REGULAR FOOD or even raw food. As that is their natural diet. So they're not going to force their diet onto animals who do not and cannot survive on it. When I adopt out my fosters it's one of the first questions I ask. I actually kind of play a few mind tricks and I bring up vegan diets for animals as if im okay with it in order to gauge the persons reaction... 9/10x they say "omg I would never! Do you?" And I say "absolutely NOT! I just need to be sure my future adopters are going to feed a vegan diet so I have to be careful with how I bring it up so that ppl don't lie to me!" The other 1/10 person loves to brag about how "they've done so much research into vegan diets and they're so safe and they're so healthy and the mainstream meat feeders are all brainwashed!" S**t should be illegal!!!
A long time ago, I remember looking through the website of a company that made vegan cat food (don't remember the name). They openly admitted that their food may cause urine crystallization.
I think I should start a vegan pet food brand. Since true vegans do feed their pets whatever diet they require, even if there’s meat In it, my target will be the pseudo-vegan posers and morons mindlessly latching on to a popular fad. There will be meat in it, but I’ll use the most obscure and unpronounceable name for it that I can find, in order to both keep it legal AND hide it from the pseudo-vegan posers whose pets would die on real vegan food. One wonders if the existing “vegan” pet foods aren’t already doing this, in order to get the AVMA to approve their products. If so, then kudos. If not, then shame on you.
I saw a reference to RSPCA so assume she's in the U.K. - a Nation of animal lovers. Supposedly. Housemate totally doing the right thing by looking after the cats best interests. Whilst the owner should be banned from owning animals outright. No issue with peoples life choices, but don't f**king impose your twatass views on animals that depend upon YOU for their very existence. Presumably a vegan because she "cares about animal welfare". But is happy to let them die prematurely because of her ignorance. Bloody idiot!
She picked the biggest predator on our planet as a pet. House cats have by far the biggest potential kill list. When you adopt a pet you need to recognize that your reality isn't theirs and make adjustments to co-exist, otherwise they end up with someone like me. I work with a rescue retraining feral/anti-social cats that would otherwise be put down. The one Im working with now nearly amputated my hand because I got careless when kenneling her for vet visit. Her previous owners thought it was funny & cute when their two 40 lb puppies "played" with her. When she reacted they threw her in bathroom it got to the point that she attacked when they came in bathroom. I scared her, she reacted because she's actually at the point where I can hand feed her, handle her and she'll approach my dog.
The roommate was doing exactly what vegans accuse people who eat meat of doing: putting their own selfish desires above the well-being of an animal. Anyone who feeds their carnivorous pet a vegan diet because they refuse to put aside their own beliefs in order to accommodate its needs is just as selfish as someone who says, "I refuse to give up meat because I like the taste too much."
People need to get over themselves their feelings arent more important than a life. What a jerk their mutual friend is. A cat isnt a toy or accessory, its not an object. No pet is they are living things. Being around animals things do happen and sometimes they do die but you do what you can to decrease the odds that it will be something other than old age. Vegans arent all alike there are vegans and veganazis. There are nazis in every group they arent immune to this. Clearly the roommate is a veganazi anyone who feeds a carnivore yes even dogs, who are not obligate carnivores like a cat, are veganazis. I dont care if you think you arent you absolutely are to subject a dog that doesnt have a specific health issue that is rare than causes them to need one to a diet with no meat. I get not wanting to contribute to factory farm abuse and much of pet food is but go to your local farmer then. Or better yet get a non carnivore pet. Rabbits are amazing pets on par with dog or cat.
I have volunteered at a Cat Rescue organization for a number of years. A cat, named Noni, was surrendered a few years ago. The owners insisted on exclusively feeding her a vegan diet. As a result, although a lovely kitty, she was a sad, frail, sick kitty that obviously the owners were not able to or interested in taking care of her. The Rescue medical staff spent a great of time and effort to make her better. I spent a great deal of time with Noni, talking to her, brushing her fur (her fur was a horrible mess). Over time, she got a little better but never really became a healthy normal happy cat. So, please, if you feel it necessary to have your cat assimulate into your belief system, do some significant research and talk to a vet. If fed a proper well formulated diet with all of the nutrients that they need, they will thrive but it is best to get good advice and direction for that from professionals.
Good.. Stupid people who can't feed themselves properly shouldn't be allowed to subject animals to it.
"vegan" "can't drive" "wants cat, then lies about the diet" Then goes on to throw teenage hissy fit. This sounds like a real happy individual. I'm sure she's greeeaaat at parties. I'd be kicking that POS out of your life if it was me....and for the record, I hate cats, but people need to take care of your friggin animals properly. GD millennials.
Imagine being as scared of veganism as some of you clowns commenting 🤣🤣🤣pathetic
Hitler was a vegan. He would go on and on about the horrors of the meat industry over dinners it's well documented. Without all the amino acids available the brain begins to deteriorate... the more processed your food the less nutritional it is.
Hitler was a vegan too! Interesting theme! He would go on and on about the horrors of meat eating over dinners and its well documented. Amino acids found in meat are a part of brain development.
I have a stupid question but why was she referred to as OP? I realize it’s insignificant but my injured brain won’t let me rest until I understand. It’s the dumb things that drive ya coocoo Please explain to the dumb girl (me), why she was referred to as OP. Btw, becoming a parent to a fur baby is such a joy and I do everything in my power to make sure my dog stays healthy and happy. It’s just like having kids. If you don’t want to be responsible, then don’t have children and do not get a pet. That drives me crazy.
“original poster” names usually aren’t included, and nobody wants to rattle off the whole reddit username, thus OP was born
Load More Replies...Some vegetables kill cats or shut there kidneys if they want to shrink they brain 10 percent ,which is why they probably don't understand. Cats are carnivors
She should stay out from her friend's cat and let her deal with consequencies by herself or she will never learn. Secretly feeding the cat is a short-sighted solution, source problem should be fixed which is her friend.
Cats are obligate varnivores. That doesn't mean they can ONLY eat meat, but they must have SOME because they can't produce taurine. Taurine all comes from meats somehow, so a complete vegan diet for cats doesn't exist.
I sometimes come across dogowners, online, who want ot feed their dogs vegan. Dogs can actually survive this, but it is a horrible way for them to live) They are very confident about how healthy this is blablabla until I ask for their adresses and names to pass that on to the local 'aminal office' (for want of a better term). Unsurprisingly, nooen ever gives it to me. Deep down they know it is wrong. Seriously, if you are THIS vegan, you should not have a pet, anyway. The way we keep most pets (cats indoors, dogs without a proper job to do) is not ideal, aynway. Just find a different hobby.
Let me be clear if I ever came across this kind of animal abuse I'm punching them and taking their cat. Idfc you have a choice to make for yourself to be vegan, that's fine and dandy. But cats are carnivores. They need meat. That simple. It's like when straight society tried to convert gay people with those awful conversion camps.. stop trying to force an animal that cannot stop you or tell you "no I don't want this" to conform to your sh*tty way of living. You aren't a vet. You're a psychopath. And a @$$hole.
Look I get it if your vegan/vegetarian and you choose to not eat meat that's your decision what I can't stand is you shoving it down other folks throats or in this case an animal who would make the decision to eat meat a 100% of the time it's in their nature I personally think it would be crazy to give up steaks but if that's what you wanna do it's more steak for me lol
I think we have alot more "opinionated" people on here than anything. They are either against people who are vegan or for it. They are lacking knowledge if it is a good lifestyle or not. Where's the research? People just want to have an opinion on other people's lifestyle no matter what...
I'm soooo confused. On one hand we seem to have someone that is vegan, I understand that, but on the other hand we seem to have someone that is ANTI vegan. She is so adamant on vegan food being bad for the cat. Where is the proof and the research that vegan food is not healthy for cats?! Should it not be made with a protein alternative? Should it not have the necessary vitamins and minerals? Quit trying to change people to conform to your understanding!
there's so much disinformation on this article, this is terrible 😔 animals already got it bad, stop insisting for people to kill them to use them as food, you should be ashamed of yourself.
Cats are not just carnivores, they are OBLIGATE carnivores. This means they must have meat to survive. If she found a vegan cat food, it is likely that this is printed on the box somewhere. They don't want lawsuits, so they probably have made it clear on the box that it should not be the cats only source of food. Please check and show the message to roommate.
I've met vegan dogs before. Don't do this. Don't EVER do this. Every single one was extremely underweight, their coats were dry and brittle and they had no stamina. Forcing a fancy eating disorder (and in this scenario that's all it is) on your pets is cruel and a violation of the unspoken contract between pet and guardian. Cats are "obligate carnivores" not omnivores, and dogs consume plant matter but don't thrive on it. PETA in their usual irresponsible and ignorant way recommends vegan pet food and lies about its safety and quality. I have a close friend who is vegan and she would NEVER feed her dog vegan food. Dogs and cats are carnivores. Die mad about it.
What I think is ANIMAL ABUSE. You know what I feed my cats? Dry food and cooked fish. One of my cats refuses to eat any cat food, no matter what type or brand. So I cook fish for her, even though its expensive AF. My vet doesn't knows what to do with that one. My Bolly is a stubborn diva. I cannot imagine her surviving on dry vegan food. She'd probably steal my dinner before she'd even look at it.
There are PLENTY of pet products terrible for pets. I run into this with bird and bunny supplies ALL the time. Arrificial dyes. Ink. WAY too much sugar (to the point i could eat it and not notice its a pet treat- IM TALKIN TO Y O U KAYTEE) and breed specifics are also SO important. For EVERYTHING from the temp u keep the house to how often you wipe their ass. You gon' own a pet you gonna take care of it, too.
My cousin is vegetarian, rarely consumes any animal products and only ever milk or eggs from our other cousins small farm so he knows exactly where it's from and the animals are treated because we grew up there, however since that is an animal product he isn't technically a vegan. He has 4 cats and they all eat a healthy diet with meat. What's good for you isn't always good for animals. Heck chocolate is okay for humans and good in moderation but deadly to some animals, if you can't take care of your pet with your pets best interest you shouldn't have them.
Thank you for the comments on...and I read your whole article..you have no idea how much I appreciate the comments on and reading a good article..please dont feed your animals vegan....most cats will literally live a shorter life feeding that way
These people are absolute muppets. Even human beings, despite our evolution in diet over thousands of years, develop health issues on a meat free diet let alone a cat.
Preface that my cat is an idiot: I will offer him tiny bits of my meal if he sits on the seat beside me and meows for it, but he doesn't seem to grasp that I don't eat meat. So he has had soy proteins. In tiny pieces that are about the size of one of his teeth if that. And the rest of the time he eats a part wet part dry meat based diet. He's just dumb and thinks of my fake meat as a special treat because it's people food.
Agree stupid to feed vegan diet to cats - but also stupid to feed raw food to dogs. I'm not saying they cannot digest raw food but they have been domesticated for thousands of years and can actually tolerate grain and are omnivores like others said. And the biggest issue is our health standards at our meat packing places. FYI your dog is not immune to salmonella and it's pretty common. It likely won't kill either of you but might end up with a hefty medical bill.
Vegan cat food is not truly vegan... it's just a marketing tool to get money. It has a percentage of animal product in it qnd gelatin. Animal sector simply isn't as strict as the human food sector
You know what pet is vegan? Birds birds are vegan as long as she doesn't get a raptor which you can't legally own without extensive training anyways. So if she wants a vegan pet get a bird
Birds are not vegan. They eat meat in the wild. Think of a parrot . They catch mice. Many eat fish and other birds and eggs . They Only eat 20 % seed. They eat plants . No dairy. And Yes Meat . So this would not be a good choice for a person who would not feed them properly. They get eggbound from lack of calcium. Their cere gets weird causing breathing problems
Load More Replies...You can buuy a well balanced vegan cat food, but I still wouldn't trust it, and it's horrendously expensive as it has to have carnivore accessible taurine and other proteins. I'm a vegan cat owner and my cat gets meat - and we buy cheese just for him as he's a cheese addict - and doesn't like vegan cheese (but there again neither do I lol)
Almost as absurd as humans trying desperately and mostly failing at, living on plants🙄
Cats are obligate carnivores, period. Do not impose your guilt ridden vegan values on them. They are not human and s/b fed a diet that is proper for them. And frankly with all the hunger in this world no one s/b guilting anyone about food! 😡
Woowww! I've had cats all my life (6 total). Some prefered raw diets, others royal canin, hills, etc., you know the usual stuff. I can say with 100% accuracy that this person should be reported for animal abuse. The audacity to lie at the shelter oh my God, after everything these animals have been through. Clearly that person knows they are in the wrong, but still won't budge. Karma will get them, oh boy will it ever. Shameful, disgusting, outrageous.
Bitch has got Some business, but she needs to Mind Her Own!!!!! Cats eat Greens, we all damn know that. But did you know Protein has Many forms!!!?
I have 5 CATS and 1 DOG, ALL VEGAN and HEALTHY! You can synthesize the nutrients they need without harming animals! There are great vegan cat & dog food companies out there, do your research and stop conforming with each other. Also stop killing and eating animals, you have the choice to change your habits! ❤
“my cats are vegan” “STOP KILLING ANIMALS” oh the irony
Load More Replies...It's funny how people go on and on about this girl feeding her cat vegan, like it's abuse. Meanwhile you will go home and sit in front of a plate of dead animals. Why is it we are so fast to watch and criticize vegans and not look within ourselves,to the abuse we pay for everyday. This is the real abuse, not some girl feeding her cat vegan.
Once had a RM who had some plants on the patio. One hot summer day I went out and one of the plants was completely wilted, so I gave it some water. RM came home and told me not to water her plants ever no matter what. I said okay, but TBH, if I saw a wilted plant again I would have watered it again.
It’s mind blowing to see 99% of commenters here self-righteously condemning this sweet, vegan cat lady in the name of “science.” I had heard about vegan cats before, but seeing all these comments made me think that’s unhealthy. So I typed “vegan cat food study” into google and EVERY SINGLE RECENT STUDY shows that cats on well-considered vegan diets were just as healthy, and often healthier, than carnivorous cats. You may have learned that cats are carnivorous in 2nd grade, like I did. But just because you went to “science class” doesn’t make you an authority on science. Science is a process of never ending study. We gain knowledge over time. Our tech advances. It seems that now, humans are able to create vegan cat foods that are healthy for cats. If you want to be self-righteous and talk about science, I highly recommend taking a few minutes to actually look at the studies. You can find lots thru google: https://www.google.com/search?q=vegan+cat+food+study
If she had a baby and wanted to feed her a vegan diet would you secretly feed the kid cows milk and chicken ???? Im pretty sure your roomie is just trying to get out of her lease. Animals do just fine on vegan diets leave that poor girl alone
It would be like you feeding your child on vegan dog food. You wouldn’t would you. Because it’s not the correct diet for a human. I hope no other carnivorous animals have the misfortune of falling into your care. You are abusing animals.
Load More Replies...Unfortunately, if a cat isn't adopted, it's likely to be euthanized. The perspective of the people at the shelter is that it's better for an animal to have a painless death than long drawn out suffering with a careless owner. Nonetheless, with the vegan lady, the cat at least had a chance at life. Also, if you're concerned with animal life, you might consider that other animals have to be killed to provide animal meat. The real problem is that animals are bred into existence that humans can't look after.
And has it ever occurred to any of these people that they are not actually vegan if they choose to keep these pets. At best they are vegetarian. But the whole principal behind vegan-ism is to refrain from harming animals, enslaving them for our benefit, or holding them in captivity. Vegans who keep pets are no different than farmers raising cattle. These vegans create a situation for these animals where they can no longer function on their own and require human intervention to live their lives. Just like cutting the legs off a cat then saying that the cat needs its human. The girl in this posting is not a vegan. Not by choice or by politics. The girl in this posting calls herself vegan for the social benefits of calling herself vegan. Not following vegan principles I make this argument for proper vegan principles because I hate hypocrites. I am not vegan myself and do not follow vegan principles. But respect The choices of those that do.
What I love is that while I think this person was right for telling the shelter because of a diet issue, she feeds her dog RAW food. Every vet I've ever been to highly discourages that. There are a few vets out there that approve of this, but then again there are actual doctors out there that won't get the covid vaccine. The potential of food poisoning is very high.
Probably means not literally raw food, but cooked before. Maybe not cooked again but some meat is fully cooked then frozen, this might be the case.
Load More Replies...It's a feline not a canine and raw actually is better for cats if formulated correctly. Also, cats are notorious for not feeling thirsty so they won't drink and end up dehydrated. Perhaps, learn a bit of basic feline care before starting on your crusade 😊
Load More Replies...As an animal caretaker, I will give you my experience on this. For my course, we had to examine the actual foods and what was said on the package and or website if they had one. I did a vegan package as I heard about the vegan eating fox at that time. For most of the animal ingredients which should be enough for the animals, was only half in the actual product/website. They double it on the packaging to convince people who are not sure what it all means.
Load More Replies...I've run into this sort of malignant stubbornness. What I don't understand is why rigid vegans like this don't adopt herbivorous pets. Guinea pigs and rabbits can be very cuddly, and don't need meat to thrive.
They also require more space and care than most people realize. Did you know, for example, that rabbits need to continuously eat or else they develop something called GI stasis? They'll generally die within a few days once this happens. They need hay *every* day, they actually can't have carrots too often because they contain too much sugar, digging is instinctive and they will 100% destroy furniture, carpet, beds, clothes, and whatever else they try to burrow into, and they'll chew literally anything (wires, paper, cardboard, and baseboards are favorites). People need to do research on any animal they're considering for a pet, because a lot of information that gets passed around from word of mouth is inaccurate at best and completely wrong at worst.
Load More Replies...My cat is fed with dried food only, I tried every type of wet food on the market plus made her food myself and she just will not eat any of it. However, I get the best dry food available and my vet is happy with that. The food I buy is about 93% meat protein. I'm a vegetarian myself but I would never try to feed my pet that diet.
Feeding cats and dogs "vegan" is about the dumbest, most anthropocentric thing to do.
There is a huge difference between cats and dogs though. Dogs are omnivores, cats are very much carnivores and really can't eat anything else.
Load More Replies...Someone this stupid and selfish should not have an animal. I've got a cat who has had bladder stones, plugged up his penis, had to be catheterized twice and is now on special urinary food for life. Its no joke and terribly distressing for the animal. He would cry and growl at his penis.
It killed 2 of my parents' cats before they realized what was happening and switched to canned food. So sad.
Load More Replies...IF YOU CAN'T STAND TO FEED YOUR CARNIVOROUS PET MEAT, GET A BIRD OR A RABBIT.
Birds need egg food for vitamin A otherwise they die of a slow horrible infection. So birds are only vegetarian, not vegan. :-)
Load More Replies...She knew it was wrong, because she lied to the woman at the shelter. If you're not prepared to feed an animal properly and ensure it gets necessary veterinary care, then do NOT get the animal.
She lied because she realized it would be perceived as wrong. That's not quite the same as knowing its wrong.
Load More Replies...Aside from obvious issues here, why are cat food producers allowed to sell vegan cat food, if that is apparently not suficient for cats? There should be regulations.
Yes, but the pet industry is full of products that are harmful because it's all about appealing to the buyer, not the pet.
Load More Replies...This is horrifying! I'm glad the OP is taking measures to save the poor cats life. The part of this that scares me the most is learning that there is a company making vegan cat food. How is that even legal‽ There certainly has to be some sort of regulation on pet products, right? Vegan cat food can't be even the slightest bit legal.
Cats. Are. Obligate. Carnivores. I am lifelong vegetarian. My cats eat only meat. Why? It's what is necessary for them. It isn't necessary for *me*, b/c I can digest proteins and amino acids from other foods. You can't feed beef to a horse, and you can't feed hay to a cat. It's not hard, folks. Geez.
Vegan does not mean no protein at all! If she is getting her protein from another source what harm could it be... She is getting all her added vitamins and minerals she needs in the cat food formula she needs as well.
Load More Replies...Cats----> Vegan diet= BAD AND UNHEALTHY. There are plenty of animals that are vegan/vegetarian (like rabbits, for example) but dogs and cats? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Cats deserve better than this, and the same goes for dogs. Your philosophies are not the diet of another living, breathing animal.
I expect people will disagree with me, but I am on the fence about vegan dog food. There is some out there that has been very carefully formulated to contain everything that dogs need. It's better (IMO) than a lot of the cheaper regular dog food that many people use. I know one person who feeds her two dogs on this diet (it's expensive, but she won't compromise her principles) and they are both extremely healthy animals with lots of energy and lovely shiny coats, good teeth etc. They are three and five years old, get regular vet checkups and have never had any issues. The same CANNOT be said for cats, and I don't think that vegan cat food should be allowed to exist.
Load More Replies...Vegan diets are hard enough on human digestive systems, and we're omnivores. Cats are strictly carnivores. They have to eat meat.
Want your pet to be a vegan? Get a bunny, fish or a rodent. That's very simple. 🤷
Fish eat meat though. Some rodents need insects. A bunny, yes I agree.
Load More Replies...This is the equivalent of reporting child abuse - because the law doesn't see pets as anything other than property - but due to the safety of the pet, the shelter used it's own form of mandated reporting. Worrying about being the asshole is one thing; I'd be worried about having to continue to be the roommate.
In the UK the Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it a criminal offence to feed an animal an inappropriate diet. It has been clarified that vegan or vegetarian diets are inappropriate for cats and dogs unless there is a medical need to do so. It is basically illegal to feed your cat or dog a vegan diet in the UK.
Your cat will die pretty quickly much sooner than the law can intervene
Load More Replies...Your roommates is an idiot. She seems to know shes wrong otherwise why lie to the shelter person? Also why not just take her vegan diet dump it and replace it with hill in the vegan packaging. Something tells me she will never know..
Why do vegans insist on shoving their lifestyles on others, be pretentious if you want, but leave everyone else the bleep alone, I'll eat meat until I die or it kills me
not all vegans are like that. you eat what you want, no one's stopping you.
Load More Replies...As a vegan, I was taking care of a cat and a dog (both now sadly deceased) and it would never have occurred to me to impose my human wishes on them. Anyone trying to raise a carnivore/omnivore animal as a vegan should not be allowed to keep that animal. Why not get some guinea pigs or a rabbit, or an animal that is already vegan (like an elephant!!)
NTA If you want your pet to be vegan, adopt a rabbit. Don't get an obligate carnivore if you are opposed to feeding it the diet it needs to be healthy. It's animal abuse. When your roommate is adopting a pet with the stated intention of abusing it by withholding proper nutrition and vet care, you have a moral obligation to inform the shelter.
We all need to acknowledge the real culprit here - some business scamming people into buying their 'vegan' pet food. Vegan cat food itself should be illegal to make, much less sell and use.
In Europa, it is illegal to put pets on vegan diets. Prison time. I do not understand the hostility that vegans have towards non-vegans; as if they expect us to adapt to their diets
No, it is not illegal. You can get vegan cat or dog food in Germany without problems. Everything that is missing due to the lack of meat has been added as a supplement, therefore it is not considered animal abuse to feed it. However, it is still highly processed food, everybody should be very much aware of that. I am vegan myself but my cats are definitely not! They can chose between different sorts of wet and dry food inside (very mixed preferences in my crowd!) as well as they are always free to go outside and catch something. During the summer months I need very little canned food as they are mostly on a "raw mouse diet"...
Load More Replies...Well, Hills is basically vegan.... fillers, crap and no real meat, so she only lied a little. Vets are paid to shill Hills, it's no better than Dog Chow, but much more expensive.
It is sad how many crap I have seen being recommended or sold in vets. Mostly the expensive fancy brands that are half corn/other fillers and get the worst meat.
Load More Replies...OP NTA. It is okay to step in when other's (whether human or animals) health and safety are in danger. In this case, the cat wouldn't have stood a chance if it did only eat vegan food as OP said they are carnivores. I has 3 senior rescues dogs myself and we used to have a cat too, so it really breaks my heart when I hear stories like this. If you don't want to have the responsibility of taking care a pet, that includes giving them the proper they need not feeding them with our own agendas, please do not own a pet. Don't even think about it. Get Tamagochi instead!
There are three classes of carnivores. Obligates for example Cats and Orcas. Faculative (Not yet proven. But is a class of Omnivore) is a carnivore that prefers meat but can survive on plants if it has to go to that option for a short duration. A example of a Faculative Carnivore are dogs and wolves. Then you have an Omnivore a carnivore that can choose to eat either meat or plants but to have balanced nutrition they still have to eat something meat. Which is why bears will graze on plants until the Salmon Run begins. Bears and humans are good examples of Omnivores. Cats are Obligated Carnivores. Meaning they can only survive on meat products. Yes they do eat some plants but it is mainly when they have a stubborn hair ball or an upset stomach. But the thing is that their digestive system is actually not designed or adapted for eating plant materials. Dogs have somewhat of an adaptation for eating plants. Bears have the same digestive adaptations as dogs as well. But Felines don't.
Some people will make products as long as consumers buy them. The fact a product exists does not make it healthy....tobacco?? It is all about physiology. Plant material takes longer to digest and requires a longer digestive tract. We humans have a very long tract, and can consume only plant-based quite easily. Cats are pure carnivores, with a short digestive tract. It makes them slim, less bulky, and excellent hunters. They cannot fully digest only plant-based food.
My roommate adopted a cat last week. After moving in with me she saw my cat and got really into cats. She asked me to make a shopping list. Bought everything i told her. At first she thought she'd feed the cat low quality cheap food. But when i told her about cat nutrition and why she's supposed to feed her cat high quality food, she didn't even argue. Anything she was curious about, she would ask me and would research everything. She asked me to contact rescuers i trust. And i was the one who picked out her cat for her. Not because i'm a cat expert, but because i have been doing the cat thing for 3 years and she was clueless. Of course you have to listen to people who know better. And i know that she loves that cat very much, that the little thing is in safe hands now. I'm a vegetarian myself, aspiring to be vegan and i would never force my cat into my diet. Giving the best life possible to the animals under your care actually is a part of veganism.
I have a vegan friend. They have a dog and fish and guess what, they still feed their animals MEAT because they're not cruel. If you don't want to feet meat to a carnivore, don't have carnivore for a pet.
In addition to the vegan diet stupidity, Ragdolls have extra needs - I would never recommend this breed to novice cat owners (note that I have had Ragdolls for over 30 years). They are prone to early kidney disease and a host of other disorders that will be exacerbated by a poor diet. OP should get that poor little boy out of her roommate's hands ASAP!
If you don't want to feed your pet meat, get rabbits or guinea pigs. They make wonderful pets and need a diet completely free of animal products.
Plus, guinea pigs look like potatoes. That's funny.
Load More Replies...There is a pretty popular guy in my city, who is passionate about sport and healthy life style. He became vegan along with his family and, at some point, he has started bragging on fb about how his dog eats only vegan food and is happy and healthy. After serious criticism and some calls to the authority for animals protection, he deleted the posts. But I'm not sure the dog got proper food...
Nah. Her roommate is garbage. There's nothing holistic and natural about a vegan diet for a cat. They can eat some plants but they absolutely need mostly meat/or fish In their diet. If she's really into holistic lifestyle she'll understand that includes an organic source of meat/fish, raw where possible, for a cat. She better get a different type of animal or just not have one.
Vegan pet food is deadly to cats. This is why the USA banned Tender Vittles from the USA. There was no actual meat, there was addictive chemicals in the food which was why cats clawed the pouches open despite being well fed and despite bowls of dry food. Forcing a vegan diet with cereal type foods will lead to diabetes, which had I known this when I was a kid, would never have purchased in the first place. Two of my cats died from tumors, caused by diabetes. I had to give them shots daily. All because of Tender vittles.
Cats need taurine, which is only found in meat. So feeding a plant only diet would be detrimental to that cat.
This trend od people wanting to feed their cats and dogs a vegan diet is alarming. If, as a human, your personal choice is to follow a vegan diet, great! You do what you believe is good for you. However, do not presume to have a largely carnivorous pet, such as a cat or dog and think that feeding them a vegan diet is even a remotely good idea. You cannot subject your pet to a lifestyle that isn't right for them simply due to your own personal beliefs. If you think this is okay, then you aren't fit to have that kind of pet (or any pet for that matter). I'm a proponent of feeding raw, however I can understand squeamishness (I guess, doesn't bother me lol), particularly if you don't eat meat. Invest in a high quality kibble or freeze-dried raw if that's the case. There are options. And i agree with the sentiment, that it's a hypocrisy for a vegan to engage in that level of animal neglect for their own needs.
Feeding an animal food that will not provide key nutrients, and can lead to malnutrition, is animal cruelty, plain and simple. I wonder what will happen to the Vegan when her cat brings her a dead mouse or bird for the first time...
Hahahaha... isn't that roomie going to shıt a brick when her cat realizes people are made of meat. She better sleep with one eye open, cuz otherwise she'll wake to find kitty eating her eyelids.
Well, theres vegans and there is stupid. At the end of the day you have to understand that cats/dogs are meat eaters. Now I know your argument of “well their domesticated” doesnt freaking matter. Cats and dogs won’t survive well without meat. Most humans can but not all.
Well... I know quite some people who are vegan and have vegan catfood BUT they also allow their cat to hunt mice and whateverelse it wants. I dont get why people get so bonkers about vegan pet food. If it contains the exakt nutrients a pet needs then whats the problem? Next to that: Cats would never eat chicken, cow, pig or anything like that, naturally. They eat small critter and small birds so usual catfood also is not a natural source of nutrients.
Rigid thinking mental problem people wont accept fact you see this in antivaxers!
I'm vegan myself and I would never do that to an animal. I know pet food from the store can be laced with a lot of chemicals, additives, etc. Tbh I'm more of a let the animals be rather than a domesticate and keep them at home kind of person. We shouldn't be the ones deciding for the animals what to eat well except for too domesticated ones who can't figure it out on their own. I support wildlife. If I see a cat about to eat a bird, I'm not going to stop it, I won't watch either. I'll just let nature be.
Not only is she a sub par pet parent, but she's obviously not a vegan for the right reasons. It doesn't seem she's too concerned with making sure the cat is healthy. And she wants to do holistic medicine? There's no way this person should have an animal. Any animals. She's more concerned about making sure the animal adheres to her way of life than making sure they're happy and healthy. I would wait til she's gone and give the cat to a no kill. May sound extreme but I don't care. She shouldn't have an animal
To all vegans out there... I understand your life choices, I've been vegan myself even though my body didn't go well on it at all (and yes I did balance my food so it wouldn't miss on any nutritions, but it just gave me permanent diarrhea for months on end until I stopped being vegan). But cats are carnivores. Their body doesn't go well on anything plant based. Just because something is there doesn't mean it's good. Just because there are super tiny hamster cages doesn't mean it's good for hamsters. Just because there are open metal wheels for hamsters doesn't mean they can't break a leg in it. Just because there's a McDonald's doesn't mean eating hamburgers every day is good for you. And just because there's vegan cat food doesn't mean it's healthy for cats. Vets see way too often cats with all kinds of problems because they are on a vegan diet. Ask literally any vet. (continues)
You vegans say you don't want to contribute to animal harm and abuse. Why do you think that it's right to abuse your own pet with food that's totally unnatural for their bodies? If you want to be vegan, fine! But don't abuse a carnivore animal by forcing it to eat like a rabbit and give your cat what it needs. And if you don't have the heart to give a cat (or dog) what it needs, then please just don't get a cat/dog, or if you already have one when you decide to become vegan, rehome your pet and make sure they find a forever home with someone who is willing to give them what they need. And guess what, rabbits and guinea pigs are also AMAZING pets! So if you want a pet that eats rabbit food, get a rabbit! Or guinea pigs! Amazing fun, sweet, cuddly creatures that actually fits right in your lifestyle as a vegan!
Load More Replies...The fact that a vegan pet food for cats exists is gross. I hope they get sued to hell and back. This RM was apparently desperate for a cat. The fact that she lied is just disgusting. Do research on animals before you just get a pet. I thought everyone knew cats were carnivores?? Yeesh
I've been vegetarian for 16 years, but whenever I babysit my brother's dog, I always feed him his proper food, plus sometimes even cook some chicken for him. I don't like it but it's part of the dog's diet in order to be healthy, and that's the most important thing, not my dietary beliefs.
I'm a vegetarian, but I would never think of giving my pet a vegan diet.
I'm vegan but I would never do that to my cats. cats can and will pass away in a very horrible way from being fed a vegan diet. If you can't take care of the pet like they need to be taken care of then don't get that pet. There's plenty of vegan pets like guinea pigs and rabbits.
The roommate did the right thing. The vegan is a bad vegan you're supposed to care about the animals. And just because it says its for a certain pet doesn't mean it's ok for it to eat, Companies just want to make money and don't care about the animals most of the time.
Load More Replies...If she wants a vegan pet, tell her to get guinea pigs instead of forcing her lifestyle on and unwilling participant.
Yo mad props to this roommate. I cannot fucken stand this vegan pet s**t. It should be illegal for them to sell vegan pet food. I have tons of vegan friends with cats and they ALL FEED REGULAR FOOD or even raw food. As that is their natural diet. So they're not going to force their diet onto animals who do not and cannot survive on it. When I adopt out my fosters it's one of the first questions I ask. I actually kind of play a few mind tricks and I bring up vegan diets for animals as if im okay with it in order to gauge the persons reaction... 9/10x they say "omg I would never! Do you?" And I say "absolutely NOT! I just need to be sure my future adopters are going to feed a vegan diet so I have to be careful with how I bring it up so that ppl don't lie to me!" The other 1/10 person loves to brag about how "they've done so much research into vegan diets and they're so safe and they're so healthy and the mainstream meat feeders are all brainwashed!" S**t should be illegal!!!
A long time ago, I remember looking through the website of a company that made vegan cat food (don't remember the name). They openly admitted that their food may cause urine crystallization.
I think I should start a vegan pet food brand. Since true vegans do feed their pets whatever diet they require, even if there’s meat In it, my target will be the pseudo-vegan posers and morons mindlessly latching on to a popular fad. There will be meat in it, but I’ll use the most obscure and unpronounceable name for it that I can find, in order to both keep it legal AND hide it from the pseudo-vegan posers whose pets would die on real vegan food. One wonders if the existing “vegan” pet foods aren’t already doing this, in order to get the AVMA to approve their products. If so, then kudos. If not, then shame on you.
I saw a reference to RSPCA so assume she's in the U.K. - a Nation of animal lovers. Supposedly. Housemate totally doing the right thing by looking after the cats best interests. Whilst the owner should be banned from owning animals outright. No issue with peoples life choices, but don't f**king impose your twatass views on animals that depend upon YOU for their very existence. Presumably a vegan because she "cares about animal welfare". But is happy to let them die prematurely because of her ignorance. Bloody idiot!
She picked the biggest predator on our planet as a pet. House cats have by far the biggest potential kill list. When you adopt a pet you need to recognize that your reality isn't theirs and make adjustments to co-exist, otherwise they end up with someone like me. I work with a rescue retraining feral/anti-social cats that would otherwise be put down. The one Im working with now nearly amputated my hand because I got careless when kenneling her for vet visit. Her previous owners thought it was funny & cute when their two 40 lb puppies "played" with her. When she reacted they threw her in bathroom it got to the point that she attacked when they came in bathroom. I scared her, she reacted because she's actually at the point where I can hand feed her, handle her and she'll approach my dog.
The roommate was doing exactly what vegans accuse people who eat meat of doing: putting their own selfish desires above the well-being of an animal. Anyone who feeds their carnivorous pet a vegan diet because they refuse to put aside their own beliefs in order to accommodate its needs is just as selfish as someone who says, "I refuse to give up meat because I like the taste too much."
People need to get over themselves their feelings arent more important than a life. What a jerk their mutual friend is. A cat isnt a toy or accessory, its not an object. No pet is they are living things. Being around animals things do happen and sometimes they do die but you do what you can to decrease the odds that it will be something other than old age. Vegans arent all alike there are vegans and veganazis. There are nazis in every group they arent immune to this. Clearly the roommate is a veganazi anyone who feeds a carnivore yes even dogs, who are not obligate carnivores like a cat, are veganazis. I dont care if you think you arent you absolutely are to subject a dog that doesnt have a specific health issue that is rare than causes them to need one to a diet with no meat. I get not wanting to contribute to factory farm abuse and much of pet food is but go to your local farmer then. Or better yet get a non carnivore pet. Rabbits are amazing pets on par with dog or cat.
I have volunteered at a Cat Rescue organization for a number of years. A cat, named Noni, was surrendered a few years ago. The owners insisted on exclusively feeding her a vegan diet. As a result, although a lovely kitty, she was a sad, frail, sick kitty that obviously the owners were not able to or interested in taking care of her. The Rescue medical staff spent a great of time and effort to make her better. I spent a great deal of time with Noni, talking to her, brushing her fur (her fur was a horrible mess). Over time, she got a little better but never really became a healthy normal happy cat. So, please, if you feel it necessary to have your cat assimulate into your belief system, do some significant research and talk to a vet. If fed a proper well formulated diet with all of the nutrients that they need, they will thrive but it is best to get good advice and direction for that from professionals.
Good.. Stupid people who can't feed themselves properly shouldn't be allowed to subject animals to it.
"vegan" "can't drive" "wants cat, then lies about the diet" Then goes on to throw teenage hissy fit. This sounds like a real happy individual. I'm sure she's greeeaaat at parties. I'd be kicking that POS out of your life if it was me....and for the record, I hate cats, but people need to take care of your friggin animals properly. GD millennials.
Imagine being as scared of veganism as some of you clowns commenting 🤣🤣🤣pathetic
Hitler was a vegan. He would go on and on about the horrors of the meat industry over dinners it's well documented. Without all the amino acids available the brain begins to deteriorate... the more processed your food the less nutritional it is.
Hitler was a vegan too! Interesting theme! He would go on and on about the horrors of meat eating over dinners and its well documented. Amino acids found in meat are a part of brain development.
I have a stupid question but why was she referred to as OP? I realize it’s insignificant but my injured brain won’t let me rest until I understand. It’s the dumb things that drive ya coocoo Please explain to the dumb girl (me), why she was referred to as OP. Btw, becoming a parent to a fur baby is such a joy and I do everything in my power to make sure my dog stays healthy and happy. It’s just like having kids. If you don’t want to be responsible, then don’t have children and do not get a pet. That drives me crazy.
“original poster” names usually aren’t included, and nobody wants to rattle off the whole reddit username, thus OP was born
Load More Replies...Some vegetables kill cats or shut there kidneys if they want to shrink they brain 10 percent ,which is why they probably don't understand. Cats are carnivors
She should stay out from her friend's cat and let her deal with consequencies by herself or she will never learn. Secretly feeding the cat is a short-sighted solution, source problem should be fixed which is her friend.
Cats are obligate varnivores. That doesn't mean they can ONLY eat meat, but they must have SOME because they can't produce taurine. Taurine all comes from meats somehow, so a complete vegan diet for cats doesn't exist.
I sometimes come across dogowners, online, who want ot feed their dogs vegan. Dogs can actually survive this, but it is a horrible way for them to live) They are very confident about how healthy this is blablabla until I ask for their adresses and names to pass that on to the local 'aminal office' (for want of a better term). Unsurprisingly, nooen ever gives it to me. Deep down they know it is wrong. Seriously, if you are THIS vegan, you should not have a pet, anyway. The way we keep most pets (cats indoors, dogs without a proper job to do) is not ideal, aynway. Just find a different hobby.
Let me be clear if I ever came across this kind of animal abuse I'm punching them and taking their cat. Idfc you have a choice to make for yourself to be vegan, that's fine and dandy. But cats are carnivores. They need meat. That simple. It's like when straight society tried to convert gay people with those awful conversion camps.. stop trying to force an animal that cannot stop you or tell you "no I don't want this" to conform to your sh*tty way of living. You aren't a vet. You're a psychopath. And a @$$hole.
Look I get it if your vegan/vegetarian and you choose to not eat meat that's your decision what I can't stand is you shoving it down other folks throats or in this case an animal who would make the decision to eat meat a 100% of the time it's in their nature I personally think it would be crazy to give up steaks but if that's what you wanna do it's more steak for me lol
I think we have alot more "opinionated" people on here than anything. They are either against people who are vegan or for it. They are lacking knowledge if it is a good lifestyle or not. Where's the research? People just want to have an opinion on other people's lifestyle no matter what...
I'm soooo confused. On one hand we seem to have someone that is vegan, I understand that, but on the other hand we seem to have someone that is ANTI vegan. She is so adamant on vegan food being bad for the cat. Where is the proof and the research that vegan food is not healthy for cats?! Should it not be made with a protein alternative? Should it not have the necessary vitamins and minerals? Quit trying to change people to conform to your understanding!
there's so much disinformation on this article, this is terrible 😔 animals already got it bad, stop insisting for people to kill them to use them as food, you should be ashamed of yourself.
Cats are not just carnivores, they are OBLIGATE carnivores. This means they must have meat to survive. If she found a vegan cat food, it is likely that this is printed on the box somewhere. They don't want lawsuits, so they probably have made it clear on the box that it should not be the cats only source of food. Please check and show the message to roommate.
I've met vegan dogs before. Don't do this. Don't EVER do this. Every single one was extremely underweight, their coats were dry and brittle and they had no stamina. Forcing a fancy eating disorder (and in this scenario that's all it is) on your pets is cruel and a violation of the unspoken contract between pet and guardian. Cats are "obligate carnivores" not omnivores, and dogs consume plant matter but don't thrive on it. PETA in their usual irresponsible and ignorant way recommends vegan pet food and lies about its safety and quality. I have a close friend who is vegan and she would NEVER feed her dog vegan food. Dogs and cats are carnivores. Die mad about it.
What I think is ANIMAL ABUSE. You know what I feed my cats? Dry food and cooked fish. One of my cats refuses to eat any cat food, no matter what type or brand. So I cook fish for her, even though its expensive AF. My vet doesn't knows what to do with that one. My Bolly is a stubborn diva. I cannot imagine her surviving on dry vegan food. She'd probably steal my dinner before she'd even look at it.
There are PLENTY of pet products terrible for pets. I run into this with bird and bunny supplies ALL the time. Arrificial dyes. Ink. WAY too much sugar (to the point i could eat it and not notice its a pet treat- IM TALKIN TO Y O U KAYTEE) and breed specifics are also SO important. For EVERYTHING from the temp u keep the house to how often you wipe their ass. You gon' own a pet you gonna take care of it, too.
My cousin is vegetarian, rarely consumes any animal products and only ever milk or eggs from our other cousins small farm so he knows exactly where it's from and the animals are treated because we grew up there, however since that is an animal product he isn't technically a vegan. He has 4 cats and they all eat a healthy diet with meat. What's good for you isn't always good for animals. Heck chocolate is okay for humans and good in moderation but deadly to some animals, if you can't take care of your pet with your pets best interest you shouldn't have them.
Thank you for the comments on...and I read your whole article..you have no idea how much I appreciate the comments on and reading a good article..please dont feed your animals vegan....most cats will literally live a shorter life feeding that way
These people are absolute muppets. Even human beings, despite our evolution in diet over thousands of years, develop health issues on a meat free diet let alone a cat.
Preface that my cat is an idiot: I will offer him tiny bits of my meal if he sits on the seat beside me and meows for it, but he doesn't seem to grasp that I don't eat meat. So he has had soy proteins. In tiny pieces that are about the size of one of his teeth if that. And the rest of the time he eats a part wet part dry meat based diet. He's just dumb and thinks of my fake meat as a special treat because it's people food.
Agree stupid to feed vegan diet to cats - but also stupid to feed raw food to dogs. I'm not saying they cannot digest raw food but they have been domesticated for thousands of years and can actually tolerate grain and are omnivores like others said. And the biggest issue is our health standards at our meat packing places. FYI your dog is not immune to salmonella and it's pretty common. It likely won't kill either of you but might end up with a hefty medical bill.
Vegan cat food is not truly vegan... it's just a marketing tool to get money. It has a percentage of animal product in it qnd gelatin. Animal sector simply isn't as strict as the human food sector
You know what pet is vegan? Birds birds are vegan as long as she doesn't get a raptor which you can't legally own without extensive training anyways. So if she wants a vegan pet get a bird
Birds are not vegan. They eat meat in the wild. Think of a parrot . They catch mice. Many eat fish and other birds and eggs . They Only eat 20 % seed. They eat plants . No dairy. And Yes Meat . So this would not be a good choice for a person who would not feed them properly. They get eggbound from lack of calcium. Their cere gets weird causing breathing problems
Load More Replies...You can buuy a well balanced vegan cat food, but I still wouldn't trust it, and it's horrendously expensive as it has to have carnivore accessible taurine and other proteins. I'm a vegan cat owner and my cat gets meat - and we buy cheese just for him as he's a cheese addict - and doesn't like vegan cheese (but there again neither do I lol)
Almost as absurd as humans trying desperately and mostly failing at, living on plants🙄
Cats are obligate carnivores, period. Do not impose your guilt ridden vegan values on them. They are not human and s/b fed a diet that is proper for them. And frankly with all the hunger in this world no one s/b guilting anyone about food! 😡
Woowww! I've had cats all my life (6 total). Some prefered raw diets, others royal canin, hills, etc., you know the usual stuff. I can say with 100% accuracy that this person should be reported for animal abuse. The audacity to lie at the shelter oh my God, after everything these animals have been through. Clearly that person knows they are in the wrong, but still won't budge. Karma will get them, oh boy will it ever. Shameful, disgusting, outrageous.
Bitch has got Some business, but she needs to Mind Her Own!!!!! Cats eat Greens, we all damn know that. But did you know Protein has Many forms!!!?
I have 5 CATS and 1 DOG, ALL VEGAN and HEALTHY! You can synthesize the nutrients they need without harming animals! There are great vegan cat & dog food companies out there, do your research and stop conforming with each other. Also stop killing and eating animals, you have the choice to change your habits! ❤
“my cats are vegan” “STOP KILLING ANIMALS” oh the irony
Load More Replies...It's funny how people go on and on about this girl feeding her cat vegan, like it's abuse. Meanwhile you will go home and sit in front of a plate of dead animals. Why is it we are so fast to watch and criticize vegans and not look within ourselves,to the abuse we pay for everyday. This is the real abuse, not some girl feeding her cat vegan.
Once had a RM who had some plants on the patio. One hot summer day I went out and one of the plants was completely wilted, so I gave it some water. RM came home and told me not to water her plants ever no matter what. I said okay, but TBH, if I saw a wilted plant again I would have watered it again.
It’s mind blowing to see 99% of commenters here self-righteously condemning this sweet, vegan cat lady in the name of “science.” I had heard about vegan cats before, but seeing all these comments made me think that’s unhealthy. So I typed “vegan cat food study” into google and EVERY SINGLE RECENT STUDY shows that cats on well-considered vegan diets were just as healthy, and often healthier, than carnivorous cats. You may have learned that cats are carnivorous in 2nd grade, like I did. But just because you went to “science class” doesn’t make you an authority on science. Science is a process of never ending study. We gain knowledge over time. Our tech advances. It seems that now, humans are able to create vegan cat foods that are healthy for cats. If you want to be self-righteous and talk about science, I highly recommend taking a few minutes to actually look at the studies. You can find lots thru google: https://www.google.com/search?q=vegan+cat+food+study
If she had a baby and wanted to feed her a vegan diet would you secretly feed the kid cows milk and chicken ???? Im pretty sure your roomie is just trying to get out of her lease. Animals do just fine on vegan diets leave that poor girl alone
It would be like you feeding your child on vegan dog food. You wouldn’t would you. Because it’s not the correct diet for a human. I hope no other carnivorous animals have the misfortune of falling into your care. You are abusing animals.
Load More Replies...Unfortunately, if a cat isn't adopted, it's likely to be euthanized. The perspective of the people at the shelter is that it's better for an animal to have a painless death than long drawn out suffering with a careless owner. Nonetheless, with the vegan lady, the cat at least had a chance at life. Also, if you're concerned with animal life, you might consider that other animals have to be killed to provide animal meat. The real problem is that animals are bred into existence that humans can't look after.
And has it ever occurred to any of these people that they are not actually vegan if they choose to keep these pets. At best they are vegetarian. But the whole principal behind vegan-ism is to refrain from harming animals, enslaving them for our benefit, or holding them in captivity. Vegans who keep pets are no different than farmers raising cattle. These vegans create a situation for these animals where they can no longer function on their own and require human intervention to live their lives. Just like cutting the legs off a cat then saying that the cat needs its human. The girl in this posting is not a vegan. Not by choice or by politics. The girl in this posting calls herself vegan for the social benefits of calling herself vegan. Not following vegan principles I make this argument for proper vegan principles because I hate hypocrites. I am not vegan myself and do not follow vegan principles. But respect The choices of those that do.
What I love is that while I think this person was right for telling the shelter because of a diet issue, she feeds her dog RAW food. Every vet I've ever been to highly discourages that. There are a few vets out there that approve of this, but then again there are actual doctors out there that won't get the covid vaccine. The potential of food poisoning is very high.
Probably means not literally raw food, but cooked before. Maybe not cooked again but some meat is fully cooked then frozen, this might be the case.
Load More Replies...It's a feline not a canine and raw actually is better for cats if formulated correctly. Also, cats are notorious for not feeling thirsty so they won't drink and end up dehydrated. Perhaps, learn a bit of basic feline care before starting on your crusade 😊
Load More Replies...As an animal caretaker, I will give you my experience on this. For my course, we had to examine the actual foods and what was said on the package and or website if they had one. I did a vegan package as I heard about the vegan eating fox at that time. For most of the animal ingredients which should be enough for the animals, was only half in the actual product/website. They double it on the packaging to convince people who are not sure what it all means.
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