I think I can see it from both sides, but it seems situational to me. Breeding cats sounds bad. For government animal shelters that run out of resources, I think the adoption of an animal that would otherwise be killed is logically consistent with the generic vegan philosophy.

“Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”

Nothing excludes the care of pets. It does exclude “animals for food” “as far as is possible and practical”. One could definitely extend this to animals for a pet’s diet, but I’d argue it’s not practical for cats because we don’t yet have solid evidence that says it’s safe. I just don’t think it’s rational to flatly liken it to torture.

Well I don’t follow any “vegan” practices, so I can’t really help with the motive part. I think we (internet discourse) often put “vegans” in a box that doesn’t really allow for the nuances of individuals. It’s not like there is a doctrine that the “vegan” follow, at least not that I’m aware of. So can you be “vegan” and care for a pet? I don’t know, but I expect different people will give different answers.

Again, you’re making a giant leap to torture. My point was that current scientific consensus is a vegan diet does not necessarily equal torture. So, I’m wondering why you think it does.

My bias is minimal; I don’t practice veganism for myself of my pets.

I think your opinion is completely ignorant. While there isn’t clear scientific evidence that conclude a vegan cat diet is better, there is isn’t clear scientific evidence to conclude it is inately worse. So, is your opinion based in reality or your intuition?

“However, there is little evidence of adverse effects arising in dogs and cats on vegan diets.”

Domínguez-Oliva, Adriana, et al. “The Impact of Vegan Diets on Indicators of Health in Dogs and Cats: A Systematic Review.” Veterinary Sciences, vol. 10, no. 1, Jan. 2023, p. NA. Gale Academic OneFile, dx.doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10010052. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.

Naturally, organizations such as the ASPCA tend toward caution and advise against vegan diets, but your statement reaches far beyond that point.

Edit: I recognize my comment is a bit condescending. I do not mean to discourage discussion. I am genuinely curious and encourage your feedback. Please let me know if I’m missing something important here.

My bias is minimal; I don’t practice veganism for myself of my pets.

I think your opinion is completely ignorant. While there isn’t clear scientific evidence that conclude a vegan cat diet is better, there is isn’t clear scientific evidence to conclude it is inately worse. So, is your opinion based in reality or your intuition?

“However, there is little evidence of adverse effects arising in dogs and cats on vegan diets.”

Domínguez-Oliva, Adriana, et al. “The Impact of Vegan Diets on Indicators of Health in Dogs and Cats: A Systematic Review.” Veterinary Sciences, vol. 10, no. 1, Jan. 2023, p. NA. Gale Academic OneFile, dx.doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10010052. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.

Naturally, organizations such as the ASPCA tend toward caution and advise against vegan diets, but your statement reaches far beyond that point.

Edit: I recognize my comment is a bit condescending. I do not mean to discourage discussion. I am genuinely curious and encourage your feedback. Please let me know if I’m missing something important here.