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Vegan Cats: Feeding for Health
By Dan Robinson

Here are some tips for feeding to maximize the health of your feline kids. If you are feeding kibble, or dry food, STOP! The only good thing about kibble is that it is easy to leave out for the cat to eat all day long and is convenient for humans.

In truth, the 10% moisture content of the kibble is dehydrating to cats, it literally sucks the water out of the intestines of the cat, making them constantly thirsty or constantly dehydrated. Cats in nature rarely drink water. They generally get all the moisture they need from the food they kill.

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Any cat that is constantly drinking water is either eating kibble or is ill with something akin to kidney disease. The gritty nature of kibble also leads to irritable bowel syndrome as well as other gastro-intestinal ailments. You should only be feeding your cats a wet canned food or a product specifically formulated to bring a lot of moisture into the cat's diet. Canned foods are typically about 75% moisture content which is great for cats to keep them properly hydrated.

Cats require fresh food and water every day. Dried kibble or dried up old canned food is unappetizing to cats. If they are hungry enough they will eat it, but it is basically spoiled and unhealthy for them. Throw out any food that is over six hours exposed to the air. And always make sure that fresh water is available, even though they may not be drinking much.

If you are free feeding, STOP! Leaving food out all day long is not good for feline health. Most overweight cats are the result of a free feeding regiment. You should be schedule feeding two to four times per day for most cats. Cats in nature survive on feast or famine. They gorge on their kill then need to kill again before satiating their appetite. Put down only enough food for the cats to become satisfied at each meal then put the remainder back in the container and wait until the cats lets you know that they are hungry again.

Remember you are the parent, and you must be in control of how often and what your feline children eat. Never feed your cat cow's milk. Cats are lactose intolerant, like many humans. Besides, when was the last time you saw a cat suckling the utter of a cow? The only milk that cats should receive is the mother's milk that they receive at birth. Read also:
Vegetarian Cats and Dogs
Vegan Cats

Dan Robinson has been a vegan for 18 years and has 5 years of practical experience with vegan cats. In 2005 he established the Vegan Cat Institute as a memorial tribute to his son Teddy as a way to honor his work as a spokes cat for the cause of veganism in cats. Dan's current feline son, Cash, is the Chief Feline Officer and has been vegan for three years from day one of his adoption at one year of age. The Vegan Cat Institute has a website containing additional information at

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