Even as a child, Kitty had an aversion to the texture of meat, leading her to consume it only sporadically. However, it was a fateful evening around the age of 11 or 12 when her vegetarian journey truly began. Dining at a Mexican restaurant, she found herself face-to-face with a truck full of cows parked outside. It was an unexpected encounter when one of the cows extended its tongue through a small opening, brushing against Kitty’s fingers.
That simple, profound connection was all it took. From that moment, Kitty embraced a vegetarian lifestyle, driven by her newfound empathy for animals.
As the years passed, Kitty’s commitment to a compassionate way of living only deepened. In 2015, she made the life-changing decision to transition to a vegan lifestyle, a choice she considers to be the best she has ever made. Through her unique journey and culinary choices, Kitty’s story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of empathy and the transformative impact of conscious eating.
Tell us more about yourself, please
I’ve lived as far north as Soldotna, Alaska and as far south as Key West, Florida.
I grew up all over the place, but I spent most of my time in Atlanta and New Orleans, and I’m currently in Key West.
I’ve never liked the texture of meat, so I ate it very sporadically even as a kid. When I was around 11 or 12, we pulled up for dinner at a Mexican restaurant, and there was a truck full of cows parked out front. One of them licked my fingers through a small hole, and that was it. I was a vegetarian from that moment on. I’ve been vegan since 2015, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
Most places have at least one vegan option on the menu these days, and I usually frequent the same places over and over because I know they have good food. I recommend planning ahead. Google the menu if you try something new, or give them a call and ask if they have options.
I feel great about it!
Kitty | Spooky vegan 🇺🇦
I’m a devoted fur mama to nine cats and two dogs, and I love animals in general. The last thing I ever want to do is harm another living creature. Being vegan has never felt like a sacrifice to me. It’s an outward expression of my internal belief system. I’ve befriended several Key deer, and I like to think my deer friends can tell I would never hurt them.
I would encourage someone who’s not yet vegan/vegetarian to explore meatless food options, and if the opportunity arises, I would offer them my taco salad.
For my online friends, I give them the recipe. My uncle, who was a meat-and-potatoes guy his entire life, is obsessed with my taco salad.
Top recommendations for great dining spots
Does it sound totally conceited to say “my kitchen?” I used to be such a horrible cook that I could burn water, and now I make some really delicious meals. My taco salad is a favorite, but I also make delicious tofu tikka masala and cauliflower crust pizza. For restaurants, Sweet Soulfood and Botanicals Nola in New Orleans. In Key West, The Green Pineapple is my current favorite. Their menu isn’t fully vegan, but their smoothies are the best.
My uncle and I share a house, so I often cook for both of us. Watching him transition from playfully making fun of my “icky vegan food” to asking, “Hey, when are you making that tofu tikka?” has brought me so much joy. He’ll text me from the grocery store to ask, “Is this the veggie sausage I like?” or, “Does this sunscreen brand test on animals?” His favorite coffee creamer is Silk’s oat milk. I never thought I’d see the day.
For beginners transitioning to a meatless diet, what advice do you have?
You don’t have to do it overnight. Find ways of incorporating less meat in your diet without sacrificing your favorite foods. If you love burgers, opt for a black bean burger or a meat substitute. Swap chicken stir-fry for tofu. There are so many options out there these days that going vegan or veggie is easier than ever. Don’t throw out everything in your kitchen. Just consider a plant-based option the next time you go shopping.
The “angry vegan” stereotype is one I really try to debunk. I can empathize, but we’re all in different stages. Being vegan is about harm reduction to me. I don’t want to hurt any animal, and that includes humans. I didn’t go vegan because someone yelled at me; I chose to go vegan because of my ethics. I have friends and family members who’ve already become vegan or vegetarian, and others are gradually making the switch
Kitty | Spooky vegan 🇺🇦
Journalist
⚜️NOLA girl in Key West🌴
💚Collab: itsthesquidling@gmail.com💚
🦇Southern gothic ghoul🦇
all images courtesy of Kitty | Spooky vegan 🇺🇦