Can I Keep A Cat On Vegetarian Diet?

 

Have you always been on a vegetarian diet? If this is the case, you may also want to get a pet with whom you can share such a meal option. Now, be informed that cats should not be included in your option. This species cannot thrive and sustain itself by feeding only on green, leafy vegetables. 

Understand that felines are obligate carnivores. What does this mean? This case implies that cats need to consume meat to be healthy and support their bodily functions throughout their lifetime. Do not even think about trying to introduce your cat to a vegetarian diet because it can harm her and put her at great risk.

Cats are not born to consume only veggies. Thus, the bodies of these animals are used to and need the nutrients present in meat for them to survive. But, if you will still push through with having a vegetarian pet, go get a rabbit instead of a cat.

Know more about your pet’s nutritional needs during your pet’s health and wellness visits to your animal clinic Anderson, IN.

Pet Rabbits Require Preventive Medical Care

Rabbits, like other house pets, require frequent medical treatment. A visit to the veterinarian is necessary soon after you have your new rabbit to confirm that it is healthy. You also need to maintain your rabbit's annual medical check-ups. The veterinarian typically requires a stool exam to determine if there are intestinal parasites.

Female rabbits usually undergo spaying or the removal of the reproductive organs upon reaching six months. Over 50 to 60 percent of female rabbits acquire uterine cancer if not spayed before the age of 3. In the case of male rabbits reaching sexual maturity, they may engage in urine spraying to establish their territory, which could soil your furniture or other pets. As such, male rabbits undergo neutering to address the obnoxious habit.

Finally, rabbits cannot go for several days without eating. Suppose they do not eat for one day. In that case, they can develop gastrointestinal stasis, a potentially fatal condition causing severe dehydration. The food inside the gastrointestinal tract does not move properly, and gas-producing bacteria overtake the normal bacteria, which assist in food digestion. The gas causes discomfort and makes rabbits unwilling to eat, thus resulting in dehydration. Rabbits with gastrointestinal stasis require urgent treatment. Otherwise, they will die.

Your pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your veterinary clinic Anderson, IN. Click here to know more about their services.