Vegan Cats Are Healthier, Finds Largest Study to Date

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Health outcomes in 1,369 cats fed vegan or meat-based diets

Seven general indicators of illness were studies, as well as 22 of the most common feline health disorders.

Cats are carnivores, or so we thought. However, a major new study has found that cats are healthier, when fed vegan diets. The study, just published in leading scientific journal PLOS ONE, is the largest such study to date. It resulted from an international collaboration led by veterinary Professor Andrew Knight (UK) and co-authored by statisticians Dr Alexander Bauer (Germany) and Hazel Brown (UK). It studied 1,369 cats fed vegan or meat-based pet food, for at least one year. Cats fed vegan diets had better health outcomes for each of seven general health indicators studied. 

First, differences between diet groups in age, sex, neutering (desexing) status and primary location (outdoor vs. indoor) were all controlled for statistically. Next, risk reductions were calculated for cats of average age and characteristics. For average cats fed vegan diets, risk reductions were:

  • increased veterinary visits (possibly indicating illness) - 7% reduction
  • medication use - 15% reduction
  • progression onto a medical diet (after being fed a vegan or meat-based diet) - 55% reduction
  • reported veterinary assessment of being unwell - 4% reduction
  • reported veterinary assessment of more severe illness - 8% reduction
  • pet guardian opinion of more severe illness - 23% reduction.
  • Additionally, the number of health disorders per unwell cat decreased by 16%.

No reductions were statistically significant, but collectively they reveal a strong trend. Additionally, the prevalence of 22 of the most common feline health disorders was studied. Forty two percent of cats fed meat, and 37% of those fed vegan diets suffered from at least one health disorder. 15 disorders were most common in cats fed meat, and seven most common in cats fed vegan diets.

Veterinary Professor of Animal Welfare Andrew Knight, the study leader, stated: 

"For every single general health indicator studied, these cats had better health outcomes when fed vegan diets. This represents a strong and consistent trend. It indicates that pet food manufacturers are now designing and creating vegan pet foods to include all necessary nutrients, but with fewer of the dietary hazards that are prevalent within meat-based pet foods. Cats consuming vegan diets have better health outcomes, as a result." 

These results concur with those of other, recent studies. In 2021, leading veterinary nutritionist Dr Sarah Dodd and colleagues published a study of 1,026 cats, of whom 187 were fed vegan diets. Cats fed vegan diets were more frequently reported by their guardians to be in very good health. They had more ideal body condition scores, and were less likely to suffer from gastrointestinal and liver disorders, than cats fed meat. No health disorders were more likely, for cats fed vegan diets. These studies are available via www.SustainablePetFood.info > health. 

Prof. Knight stated:

"This offers exciting potential to improve not only feline health, but also to address the very significant environmental impacts of the livestock sector created through pet food production. However, to safeguard the health of our feline friends, it is important that pet guardians feed only commercial vegan pet foods labelled as nutritionally complete, produced by reputable companies with good standards."

STUDY LINKS

- link to the study, which will go live upon publication: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0284132
 

FURTHER INFORMATION

Andrew Knight
Veterinary Professor of Animal Welfare
- Adjunct Professor, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
- Visiting Lecturer, University of Winchester, UK
- EBVS® European & RCVS Veterinary Specialist in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law; American Veterinary Specialist in Animal Welfare
- Fellow, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, & Member, Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Animal Welfare chapter)
Southampton, UK
www.sustainablepetfood.info

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Contact Information:
Andrew Knight
Veterinary Professor of Animal Welfare
andrew.knight@winchester.ac.uk


Original Source: Vegan Cats Are Healthier, Finds Largest Study to Date

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Hanna Interpreting Services, a premier language services provider, is proud to announce its recognition by Comparably as one of the best companies for work-life balance. This honor is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to employee well-being and its innovative approach to fostering a harmonious work environment.

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"It's a balance we've been striving to achieve, especially in these dynamic times," says President Tom Elias Hanna. "We understand the challenges presented by both remote work and the need to be in-office."

September is a monumental month for Hanna Interpreting Services. In addition to the Comparably award, the company celebrated its 13th anniversary on September 9, marking over a decade of industry leadership and commitment to bridging linguistic barriers. The month also saw the inauguration of a brand-new office space, showcasing the company’s dedication to growth and serving as a hub for innovation and team collaboration.

As Hanna Interpreting Services continues to evolve and set benchmarks in the industry, the core values remain consistent: a commitment to bridging language barriers, a dedication to employee well-being, and a vision to be the most trusted name in language services.

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For more information about Hanna Interpreting Services or to schedule an interview, please contact Sean Spicer, Revenue Operations Manager, at Sean.Spicer@HannaIS.com
 

Contact Information:
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Original Source: Hanna Interpreting Services Awarded Comparably's Best Company for Work-Life Balance

With Nearly 2,000 Athletes, the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games & Access, North America’s Largest Jewish Teen Sports and Community Building Event, Leaves a Lasting...

With Nearly 2,000 Athletes, the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games & Access, North America’s Largest Jewish Teen Sports and Community Building Event, Leaves a Lasting Impact
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The Fort Lauderdale Maccabi Soccer team won their gold medal match against the Philadelphia team.

The 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access, hosted by the David Posnack Jewish Community Center (DPJCC) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, have concluded with resounding success and heartfelt gratitude to the community that made it all possible. This week-long celebration of sports, camaraderie, and inclusivity has left a lasting impact, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our generous supporters.

Close to 2,000 Jewish teen athletes aged 12-16, representing communities worldwide, gathered in Fort Lauderdale to experience the joy of sports and the power of inclusion. The Games, presented by the JCC Association of North America, offered an unforgettable Olympic-style experience filled with competitions, opening and closing ceremonies, community service, social and cultural events, and opportunities to create Jewish connections that will last a lifetime.

One of the highlights of this year's event was the introduction of JCC Maccabi Access, brought to you by UKG and presented by the Posnack Family Foundation. This program is designed to provide athletes aged 12-18 with intellectual and developmental disabilities an inclusive Maccabi experience. This three-day program, held in conjunction with the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games®, exemplified the event's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Scott Ehrlich, CEO of the David Posnack Jewish Community Center, reflected on the Games, stating, "We were overjoyed to welcome Jewish athletes from all corners of the world to Broward County for the 2023 JCC Maccabi® Games & Access. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to our JCC Maccabi Team led by our Co-Chairs, Lori and Mitch Green, Debby and Dennis Eisinger, Davia and Jim Mazur, and Missy and Dan Longman. Their unwavering commitment contributed significantly to establishing an atmosphere that nurtured camaraderie, inclusiveness, and the genuine essence of the Games."

The Games' success was significantly bolstered by the support of honorary co-chairs Scott Scherr, founder of Ultimate Software, and Scot Hunter, co-founder of Emerald Multi-Family Office. Their encouragement to business owners and the backing of corporate and community partners played a pivotal role in the event's success.

Supporting Corporate Sponsors:

  • Emerald Multi-Family Office
  • Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
  • Official Torch Sponsor: Duty-Free America
  • Kent Security
  • Official Beverage Sponsor: Coca-Cola 
  • The Meltzer Group
  • Official Transportation: Sponsor Comcast 
  • Official Media Partner: Clear Channel Outdoor 
  • Official Produce Sponsor: ProEx International
  • Official Pun, Pass, and Kick Sponsor: Miami Dolphins
  • Official Basketball Sponsor: Miami HEAT
  • Official Baseball Sponsor: Miami Marlins
  • Official Cleaning Company Sponsor: AK Building Services
  • Official Swimming Sponsor: Blavatnik Family Foundation 
  • Northland Investments
  • Official V-VIP Dinner Sponsor: Aroma Market & Catering
  • Custom Outfitters LLC
  • FP&L
  • Greenspoon Marder
  • Manne Foundation for Homeless Prevention
  • Official Mitzvah Sponsor: Children's Services Council of Broward County

The 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access were not just about competition; they were also about giving back to the community. The JCC Cares Mitzvah Projects showcased the spirit of service, assembling over 1,000 Rosh Hashanah food baskets for Goodman JFS Seniors and Holocaust Survivors, donating over 2,500 pairs of new sneakers to students, in partnership with Children's Services Council of Broward County, and repurposing 340 medals for the "We Finish Together" organization, spreading kindness to ill children and adults in hospitals.

Among the highlights:

  • Approximately 10,000 spectators attended the Opening Ceremony at FLA Live Arena.
  • 1,620 visiting athletes.
  • 21 Access participants.
  • 375 Coaches & Chaperones.
  • 850 Community Volunteers.
  • 600 Host Families.
  • 215 Local Athletes & Access participants representing Team Fort Lauderdale.
  • 64 delegations, including international representation from Israel, Ukraine, Argentina, South Africa, Mexico, Canada, Great Britain, and 53 cities throughout the USA.
  • 100 Local businesses and individuals generously supporting.
  • 110,000 bottles of Dasani water, Powerade, and soda provided by Coca-Cola.
  • 47,000 pounds of ice used.
  • 20,000 meals served.
  • 300 athletes and coaches wrapped tefillin daily.

As the Games came to a close, the resounding message was one of unity, inclusivity, and the power of community. The 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access will be remembered not only for the athletic achievements but also for the lasting friendships, cultural exchanges, and shared experiences that will continue to enrich the lives of all those who participated.

For more information about the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access and how you can support future events, please visit dpjcc.org.

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JCC Access Games Athlete & Coaches

Nico poses with his coaches during a skill competition at the Maccabi Access games.



Original Source: With Nearly 2,000 Athletes, the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games & Access, North America's Largest Jewish Teen Sports and Community Building Event, Leaves a Lasting Impact
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