Over a breakfast meeting with my dear friend and fellow feline advocate, Anne Jablonski of CatNutrition.org, the discussion of a recently launched vegan cat food became a hot topic. Anne and I have been staunch advocates promoting species appropriate feline diets for decades. The cat is an obligate carnivore, even labeled a hypercarnivore. Yet, the pet industry continues to impose foods more for omnivores and now vegans, even while acknowledging the cat’s carnivorous needs. Six months following that breakfast and hours on hours of research and interviews, I gave this webinar for the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies on the challenges and misleading narratives on  plant-based foods for cats.

About the webinar: The plant-based movement has emerged as a symbol of environmental and ethical values, championing better personal and planetary health. Cat guardians, who are embracing this movement for themselves, are increasingly extending these choices to their carnivorous companions. Are owners fully informed on whether plant-based diets can adequately fulfill the unique nutritional requirements of cats as obligate carnivores? What if the pervasive anti-meat message is misleading – especially for cats? In the last century, commercial pet food manufacturers disregarded this hypercarnivore’s needs, banking on grains, soy, and legumes due to the cost of all-animal diets. Except these unnatural diets are increasingly implicated in adverse food reactions, health issues, and behavior problems. Clearly, this is a complex and controversial topic, and requires a balanced perspective acknowledging both the ecological objectives and still honor the unique nutritional needs of our companion felines. Key areas of discussion include nutritional adequacy, regulation and industry standards, financial incentives, plus ethical concerns and responsible alternatives. While the desire to align pet care with personal values is understandable, the well-being of the cat must be the priority.

To watch the webinar: Can Vegan Cats Save the Planet – Purchase through CIVT –  $70

With CIVT’s permission, the notes are available from the webinar as a courtesy, and does not require you to purchase the webinar.

To download the notes: CIVT – Can Vegan Cats Save the Planet – Terri Grow May 2025

 

Interested in learning more about the CIVT?  Or becoming an Associate member?  As a courtesy, CIVT is offering a discount voucher code for my clients! Fill out the membership application form by clicking this link  https://civtedu.org/memberships/associate, then enter the code, TERRIGROW25, before making payment to receive the discount. With membership you’ll have access to the full journal, my free webinar on “Feeding the Finicky Cat”, and over 20 other free webinars!

© Terri Grow, 2025

Terri Grow writes and speaks on pet health and welfare, working with veterinarians, trainers, shelters and manufacturers to empower canine and feline health through diets, herbal therapies, supplements and environmental adjustments.