Cats are natural predators and meat eaters. However, some of the foods in commercial cat foods are not what they would ever be able to eat in nature. If you have ethical concerns over meat eating altogether, you likely want your cat to be vegan. Many are divided on whether this is the right thing.
Vegan Cats
It's only natural for someone who's gone vegan to want to erradicate all meat products from their life and purchases. However, is a sudden change of diet in your cat, one that deprives him of the meat he likely savors, worth it? Many cat owners struggle with the issue, trying to find the real answer to what the right thing to do really is. You certainly don't want to hurt other animals, but you don't want to hurt your beloved pet either. Here's some information that may help you make the right choice for you and your furry child.
Taurine
The critics of a vegan diet for cats are quick to point out that taurine is a necessity for a cat's survival. You know what? They're absolutely right. However, synthetic taurine has been massively produced and consumed since the 1930s. Meat-based products often contain the synthetic version as well because natural-occuring taurine is decimated in the manufacturing process. You can feed your cats products that have the synthetic version added, or you can feed them supplements, such as Vegecats. Although taurine is not found in any plant source, the synthetic brand is what most cats get, anyway.
Cat Health
Male cats are susceptible to urinary tract infections when following an all-vegan diet, especially when they are primarily fed kibble. Male cats should have plenty of liquid with their food, especially if you are trying to get them to go vegan. Male cats can be very uncomfortable with frequent urinary tract infections, and some male cats get this unless they are fed a more Western traditional cat diet. However, there are ways around this if the owner is willing to put in the effort and time to work toward the male cat's health and keeping him on track with a vegan diet. Again, the first consideration needs to be making sure he eats next to no kibble. He should be fed wet food and vegan food that's specifically prepared for him with a taurine supplement.
Female cats have an easier time going vegan than their male counterparts because they are less susceptible to the dreaded urinary tract infections.
What to Feed a Vegan Cat
It's already been established that your vegan cat is going to need a taurine supplement. Vegecat and Vegekit are name brands offering vegan foods to consumers. One can order this for mail delivery. There are other kinds, and some natural food stores even carry vegan cat food in their stores. It helps to call around and ask for recommendations among animal rights activists who have feline friends.
Some vegan cats enjoy vegan gravies, fruits and even vegetables in addition to cat food that should be fed to them for nutritional regularity. Textured vegetable protein can give a cat the consistency of meat if that's what he's used to consuming, and that can help to make the transition a little easier.
Feed your cat around the same time that you are preparing your own meal for added motivation for him to eat up.