A research team from the University of Winchester in England conducted a comprehensive study to examine how plant-based nutrition influences cat health. The findings indicate that cats relying on plant-based diets tend to experience fewer health challenges and make fewer trips to the veterinarian compared with cats that consume meat or meat-based foods. The study reported these outcomes after a year of observation.

The longitudinal study tracked 1,369 cats, categorized into three groups: 1,178 fed a conventional meat-based diet, 64 on a raw diet, and 127 receiving vegan nutrition. Prior to the study, cat guardians provided details about their pets’ diets, overall health, and veterinary visit history. Additional data collected included the cats’ gender and age, and whether each animal had been adopted from a shelter or found as a stray. The cats followed the dietary plans chosen by their guardians for roughly twelve months, providing a real-world view of how diet interacts with feline health in everyday life.

Results showed that cats nourished with meat-based diets had a higher likelihood of veterinary visits within the year. In contrast, cats on vegan or raw diets generally did not exceed two veterinary visits during the same period. Digestive health tended to be better in non-meat eating cats, and many guardians reported improvements in fur condition as well. The lead researcher, a professor at the Center for Animal Welfare at the university, suggested that protein sources common in meat-based foods often introduce allergens such as certain offal components, artificial preservatives, and grains, whereas plant-based options may reduce exposure to these potential triggers. The findings contribute to a growing discussion about how diet composition can influence feline wellness in practical, everyday contexts.

In discussing the broader landscape of feline nutrition, the researchers noted a related study conducted by Canadian scientists a few years earlier, which highlighted that vegan cats may show lower susceptibility to certain gastrointestinal and liver issues. These observations align with a broader pattern seen in veterinary nutrition research, where diet composition and ingredient quality appear linked to digestive tolerance and overall health in cats. Guardians who explore meat-free options should consider balanced formulations that meet all essential nutrients, and ongoing veterinary supervision remains important to ensure nutritional adequacy and well-being for each individual animal. The practical takeaway emphasizes thoughtful diet planning, careful monitoring of health indicators, and a cautious but open-minded approach to how non-meat diets can fit into responsible pet care.