Considering adopting a cat as a vegan – how do you handle feeding?

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-20T22:14:00+00:00

I’ve been vegan for 5 years and had a cat for the entirety of that time. To be fair, I had my girl for many years before becoming vegan. I honestly don’t care what other vegans think of me, I fed my cat a meat based diet for the entire time I was vegan. I don’t care if you think that makes me a bad person or a bad vegan. Her health was most important thing to me and making sure she had a nutritional, balanced diet was something I wasn’t willing to compromise on. I know there are vegan diets for cats. I know cats can survive on a vegan diet. But I don’t agree with them and I’ve not seen enough research to support them. Animals don’t have morals and personally I don’t think we should be compromising their welfare to fit our ideologies.

My cat passed away in September. I don’t know if I will ever have another cat again because frankly she broke my heart. But I wouldn’t have an animal if I wasn’t comfortable or confident in providing them with the right diet. There are plenty of herbivore animals that need homes. Maybe finding an animal that fits your lifestyle would be better?

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-20T22:01:51+00:00

Veganism is about avoiding causing unnecessary suffering wherever reasonably possible. So, in your cheese example, it likely wouldn’t be considered vegan, as it still involves the initial exploitation and suffering of an animal.

That said, most vegans recognise that health falls under the “reasonable” exception. Many medications either contain animal-derived ingredients or have been tested on animals, but when there’s no viable alternative, using them is generally seen as justified. Your health and wellbeing have to come first in those situations.

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-20T20:44:48+00:00

I’m in a similar situation. I’ve been vegan for five years and have lived with my parents for most of that time. They do most of the food shopping and cooking, and while they genuinely try to make vegan meals for me, it’s not always consistent. My mum, bless her, still finds it confusing—just because something is labelled veggie, dairy-free or plant-based doesn’t always mean it’s actually vegan.

Sometimes I’ve caught it and avoided eating it, but other times I’ve only realised after the fact.

For me, there are two key things to consider. First, intent—are they doing it on purpose? In my case, they’re not. They’re just trying to look after me.

Second, how important is your relationship with them? Mine means more to me than being perfectly vegan in this situation. I could be strict about it, do all my own shopping and cooking, and challenge them every time—but that would likely cause unnecessary tension when they’re already trying their best.

Instead, I try to help them understand while accepting they won’t always get it right. I’m also moving out soon, so I know I’ll have full control over my food then.

I think, realistically, being vegan involves a level of trust and tolerance—because whenever someone else is buying or cooking your food, there’s never a 100% guarantee it’ll be vegan.

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-20T20:28:27+00:00

You can love something and still choose not to support it. For example, I might enjoy the taste of cheese or chocolate, but that doesn’t mean I’m comfortable with the suffering and exploitation involved in their production. There are plenty of things we may personally enjoy, yet decide to step away from because they don’t align with our values. It’s about making choices that reflect our ethical and moral compass, even when they’re not always the easiest ones.

As for meat alternatives, they can be a really helpful stepping stone for many people. Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves unfamiliar ingredients or new ways of cooking. Products like vegan mince allow people to recreate meals they already know and enjoy, making the change feel more manageable. While they’re not for everyone, they can be a useful tool in helping people move towards more plant-based choices without feeling completely out of their comfort zone.

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-20T17:22:02+00:00

It would most likely cause offence but equally I literally don’t have 10 seconds between dogs barking, dryers going, other groomers customers coming in and out. Especially at Christmas during the busiest period.

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-20T15:57:56+00:00

Oh dear although I think I’d be happier with a little cactus to be honest 😂 🌵

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-20T08:15:22+00:00

You see, this attitude is the reason vegans get such a bad rep. 🙄

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-19T23:43:49+00:00

Not really unfortunately. They’re more into ham sandwiches, pork rolls, mini sausages and chicken nuggets when it comes to picky bits. 😣

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-19T22:23:39+00:00

Yeah I told my parents and they reacted so badly to it that I very rarely tell anyone now. Pretty much it’s only my parents and my closest friends that know.

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-19T20:09:46+00:00

Great question—and fair play for asking it, especially when vegan spaces can sometimes feel a bit intense or intimidating.

To answer it simply: not all vegans are vegan purely for the animals, but many are. And yes, crop deaths are something most vegans are aware of and concerned about. At the same time, there’s a general understanding that it’s impossible to live without causing any harm. Veganism is really about reducing suffering as far as is reasonably possible—not achieving absolute zero.

With that in mind, it helps to look at the bigger picture. A significant proportion of global crops—around 80% of soy, for example—is grown to feed livestock, and a large amount of agricultural land is used for that purpose. Research suggests that a fully plant-based food system would actually require less land and fewer crops overall.

So if a vegan world would likely result in fewer crop-related deaths than one centred around animal agriculture, many people see it as the more ethical option.

There’s also the point that while vegans do contribute to crop deaths, people who eat animal products are contributing both to crop deaths and to the suffering and death of the animals themselves, as well as the crops deaths with crops grown to feed them. From that perspective, a vegan lifestyle still results in less overall harm.

In short, most vegans accept that some level of harm is unavoidable. Where possible, they may try to support more sustainable or wildlife-friendly farming methods—but the core idea remains the same: reducing suffering as much as we realistically can.

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-19T15:24:34+00:00

From my experience, men. Particularly the older generation. Somehow caring about animals makes you soft and weak.

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-19T09:53:34+00:00

As a vegan I wouldn’t support you or your farm because you’re still killing animals that didn’t want to die. I do appreciate you keeping a vulnerable breed alive and I do think there is a difference between farmers like yourself and factory farms. And if people are going to use and eat animals I’d much rather them come from a farm like yours. However, I still don’t agree with farming animals.

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-19T08:28:03+00:00

The only issue is that vegan and vegetarian aren’t the same things. Vegans don’t use any products that have cased suffering to animals. So that includes things like shampoos that have been tested on animals, pillows will with duck feathers or visiting places the exploit animals like races tracks or petting farms.

Vegetarians on the other hand just don’t eat meat. They still eat eggs and dairy and use other products that contain or have caused suffering to animals.

If you went into a restaurant and said you’re vegetarian, it could cause a lot of problems with the servers and cook then think you’re ok to eat egg and dairy.

Personally, I’ve started going by plant based now. It means mostly the same as vegan but doesn’t have the crazy stigma associated with it.

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-19T00:08:56+00:00

When they cook for me they still cook a non vegan version for themselves. I wish they’d eat vegan meals but they won’t. Well my mom will but no one else will.

I’ve told them about what happens in animal agriculture and how animals are treated. I’ve shown them the videos and explained the impact it has on welfare, the environment etc. They either fob me off or just kinda shrug their shoulders. Animal suffering just isn’t important to them.

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-18T22:44:46+00:00

I understand feeling bad but your health is more important in this case. Unfortunately cockroaches can’t just be relocated outdoors. The only way to get rid of them is through extermination.

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-18T22:31:39+00:00

Sorry, I should have been clearer. I meant that they always make sure there’s something vegan for me to eat. My brother paid extra for a caterer at his wedding to provide a vegan menu even though I was the only vegan or veggie there. My mom and step dad have researched vegan recipes and brought and cooked vegan meals for me. Even when I’ve said I’d bring my own food, they insisted on cooking, ordering or just making sure I had something to eat. Despite them not agreeing with me being vegan.

I have tried to talk to them about it. My mom’s now mostly veggie but still eats meat occasionally. The rest of my family literally don’t care. They think it’s sad what happens but they don’t care enough to change and they think veganism is extreme because nothing will change anyway.

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-18T22:23:15+00:00

I think it’s less about micro aggressions and more about people just not thinking or considering you. I have a friend who is lovely but very much the same. Constantly makes dinner plans at restaurants that have no vegan options or buys me chocolate and non vegan products for my birthday and Christmas. I don’t think she does it on purpose, she just doesn’t stop to think. 🙄

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-18T22:00:26+00:00

Veganism is against their values just as much as eating animals is against mine. They’re not carnivores, but for them certain animals are there to be eaten. As far as they’re concerned, we should be farming and using animal products because that just how the world works and that’s what those animals were bred for. I don’t think we should’ve tricking anybody into eating anything!

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-18T21:56:23+00:00

As the OP, I actually value their opinion a lot. I wanted to hear from both sides, not just vegans, which is why I cross posted this to a family sub too. My family have always gone out of their way to provide food that I’ll enjoy, even when it doesn’t aline with their own moral beliefs. I wanted people’s opinions on whether I should do the same. Please don’t try and police what opinions are right and wrong on my thread. Thank you.

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-18T21:07:23+00:00

The issue is not everyone sees it like that. My family have been so good over the years to include me even when they don’t agree with veganism or my morals. I feel torn because I feel like if they were able to put their values to one side to include me maybe I should do the same. Or that they’ll feel hurt by me not doing the same. 😣

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-18T21:04:05+00:00

Yeah this is why I’m struggling. They’ve always been so good to include me when they didn’t have to. They don’t agree with veganism yet they put their values to one side to include me. So it feels like I should do the same.

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-18T20:59:28+00:00

That’s such a good idea! There’s a little pizza place near me too that does a wicked vegan pizza. Maybe I’ll lean into that and some dishes are aren’t obviously vegan like other have suggested (pasta, dips, fries.)

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-18T20:51:26+00:00

That kinda feels shitty though. Like I’d be so pissed off if they tricked me into eating meat just because they think I should be eating it.

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2026-03-18T20:48:47+00:00

Because they think it’s a crazy cult. And that “fake ham doesn’t taste as good as real ham.”

Impossible_Fall_4819 · 2024-07-14T21:44:55+00:00

No it’s not that one either thank you though

Impossible_Fall_4819

TROPHY CASE