| Cat Supplies Article |
The cat (Felis silvestris catus), also known as the domestic cat or house cat to distinguish it from other felines, is a small carnivorous species of nocturnal mammal that is often valued by humans for its companionship and its ability to hunt vermin. It has been associated with humans for at least 9,500 years.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must ingest the flesh of other animals to survive. Where other carnivorous mammals like bears and dogs commonly add to their diets of meat with fruits, berries, roots, and honey when available, by contrast all cats instinctively feed almost solely on meat.
Similarly as with its teeth, a cat's digestive tract has become specialized over time to suit its diet, having shortened in length to only those segments of intestine best able to break down proteins and fats from animal flesh. The evolved trait severely limits the cat's ability to properly digest, metabolize, and absorb plant-derived or synthesized nutrients, as well as certain fatty acids. For example, cats cannot convert the pro-vitamin A abundant in plants, to make vitamin A. Also, a number of required nutrients are not sufficiently available in plant matter to begin with; one critical absence is taurine, a key amino sulfonic acid for eye health. Taurine deficiency can cause a condition called macular degeneration wherein the cat's retina slowly degenerates, eventually causing irreversible blindness.
Due to the above, most felines eat fairly little if any plantstuffs. Yet it is nevertheless quite common for a cat to occasionally supplement its carnivorous diet with small amounts of grass, leaves, shrubs, houseplants, or other plant matter anyway. One theory suggests this behaviour is to facilitate regurgitation if their digestion is upset; another is that it perhaps introduces fibre or trace minerals to the diet. In this context, caution is recommended for cat owners because some houseplants are harmful to cats. The leaves of the Easter Lily can cause permanent and life-threatening kidney damage to cats. Philodendron are also poisonous to cats. Cat Fancy has a full list of plants harmful to cats.
As an exception to the general rule, certain domesticated cats are known to like vegetables. This happenstance may inspire some vegetarian or vegan pet owners to encourage or even impose their own dietary preferences upon their cats, often using commercially-available cat foods supplemented with chemically-synthesized taurine and other added nutrients to address nutritional shortfalls. However, it remains arguable as to whether or not such a vegetarian diet can in fact meet a cat's dietary requirements.
Additionally, cats have been known to develop a fondness for prepared human foods, normally such entrees which are rich in proteins or fats. However, a diet consisting only of human food (even if high quality meat) is unlikely to contain the balanced nutrition required by the cat. Cats normally are good self-regulators of diet; however, unlimited access to food, or excessive human-food 'treats', will often lead to the cat becoming obese, particularly if it is older or more sedentary. This may lead to several health complications, such as diabetes, especially in neutered males. Such health conditions can be prevented through diet and exercise (playing), especially for cats living exclusively indoors.
Cats can be fussy eaters (which may be due in some way to the aforementioned mutation which caused their species to lose sugar-tasting ability). Unlike most mammals, cats can voluntarily starve themselves indefinitely despite being presented with palatable food, even a food which they had previously readily consumed. This can happen when the vomeronasal or Jacobson's organ becomes accustomed to a specific food, or if the cats are spoiled by their owners, in which case the cat will reject any food that does not fit the pattern it is expecting. It is also known for cats to merely become bored with their given food and decide to stop eating until they are tempted into eating again. Although it is extremely rare for a cat to deliberately starve itself to the point of injury, the sudden loss of weight can cause a fatal condition called hepatic lipidosis, a liver dysfunction which causes pathological loss of appetite and reinforces the starvation, which can lead to death within as little as 48 hours.
Some cats have a fondness for catnip, which is sensed by their olfactory systems. While they generally do not consume it, they will often roll in it, paw at it, and occasionally chew on it. The effect is usually relatively short, lasting for only a few minutes. After two hours or less, susceptible cats gain interest again. Several other species of plants (such as mint) cause this effect, to a lesser degree.
Cats can also develop pica. Pica is a condition in which animals chew or eat unusual things such as fabric, plastic or wool. In cats, this is mostly harmless as they do not digest most of it, but can be fatal or require surgical removal if a large amount of foreign material is ingested (for example, an entire sock). It tends to occur more often in Burmese, Oriental, Siamese and breeds with these in their ancestry.
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS FLEA CONTROL FOR CATS 16 MONTHLY DOSES
$34.99 |
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|  | Frontline Plus For Dogs up to 22lb. 6 Applications! NIB
$29.98 |
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 | Virbac OTOMITE Plus Ear Mite Treatment for Cats Dogs
$3.25 |
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|  | 45" Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F04
$0.99 |
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 | 80" Cat Tree House Condo Scratcher Post Furniture F2030
$0.99 |
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|  | 2 cans Precor 2000 flea & tick spray home treatment
$38.00 |
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 | LOOK 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$16.50 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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FREE BAG OF PURINA KITTEN CHOW
$1.35 |
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|  | Cat Keychain- I Love My Russian Blue- Pewter
$1.50 |
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 | 20" Cat Tree Condo House Scratcher Pet Furniture bed-12
$29.99 |
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|  | LOOK 16 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$34.99 |
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 | Comfort Zone Feliway Plug In Vial 48ml FOUR REFILLS Cat
$62.99 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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 | Petmate Hybrid Black Stainless Cat Dog Water Fountain
$32.49 |
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|  | for CATS, EPA - 8 Months of FRONTLINE - fAST Shpg
$19.25 |
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 | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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| 10 Coupons Save $1.00 Meow Mix Market Select Cat Food
$0.99 |
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 | KLIBAN CAT BON APPETIT VINTAGE FOOD DISH FEEDER
$4.99 |
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|  | Five 3oz. Packages of Whiskas Chicken Treats For Cats
$0.99 |
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 | 6 Pack Frontline Plus for cats Long dated 6 pack
$59.00 |
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| Save $10.00 on Breeze Brand Litter System
$0.75 |
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 | Frontline Plus Cats 12 *FREE USA SHIPPING* 3 6 TOO!
$60.35 |
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|  | Litter Maid ELITE MEGA SELF CLEANING LITTER BOX + TENT!
$99.99 |
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10 Coupons - Save $1.00 on Meow Mix Cat Treats Cat Food
$0.99 |
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|  | Litter Robot
$71.00 |
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 | Advantage for Cats under 9lbs. 4 Applications!! NIB
$28.01 |
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| Save $10.00 on Breeze Brand Litter System
$0.75 |
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 | Frontline Plus For Dogs 45-88 lbs. 6 Applications! NIB
$52.00 |
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|  | Cat- Guardian Gear Lined Nylon Cat Muzzle - Small
$8.99 |
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 | K9 ADVANTIX FLEA KIT FOR DOGS 11-20 LBS 8 DOSES
$36.99 |
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| 10 Coupons - Save $1.00 on any Meow Mix Dry Cat Food
$0.99 |
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 | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE flea control cats 9 lbs & under 4 pack EPA+
$28.04 |
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 | K9 ADVANTIX FLEA CONTROL KIT SMALL DOG 0-10 LBS 10 dose
$18.95 |
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|  | 15~POUNCE Cat Treats Coupons SAVE $1.50 /2 Exp~10/4/08
$0.49 |
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 | K9 ADVANTIX FLEA CONTROL KIT SMALL DOG 0-10 LBS 10 dose
$18.95 |
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|  | DISCOUNTED 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$16.50 |
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 | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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|  | * 5 * BAGS POUNCE CRUNCHY , 3 CHEESE FLAVORED
$14.99 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS FLEA CONTROL FOR CATS 16 MONTHLY DOSES
$34.99 |
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|  | Advantage Flea Drops for Cats/Kittens 10-18 lbs12 tubes
$96.00 |
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 | Cats Dogs Pets FunFur Nesting Bed Dia.40cm SizeL A3A1
$5.98 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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 | Spotbrites LED Rainbow CAT PET Action Balls
$2.99 |
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|  | Cat Tree Plans-Free Shipping !
$5.00 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS FLEA CONTROL KIT FOR CATS 16 DOSES
$34.99 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL FOR CATS 10 LBS AND UP 5 DOSES
$17.99 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS flea control small dogs 0-22 lbs 6 dose
$18.95 |
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|  | .136 PET SCRATCH TOWER w. PLATFORMS + HEMP ROPE POLES
$0.99 |
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 | Frontline Plus for Cats (6 mo.) ~ NOT A KIT
$24.99 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS FLEA CONTROL FOR CATS 8 MONTHLY DOSES
$19.99 |
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 | advantage Tropical Flea Treatment for Dogs 21 - 55 lbs.
$29.00 |
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|  | 8 MONTH FRONTLINE PLUS GREEN KIT FLEA CAT KITTEN 3 6 12
$19.88 |
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 | 1 LB. OF CATNIP 16 OZ. 100% ORGANIC * FRESH! * GREEN!
$6.99 |
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|  | Cat Treat Dish Food Pet Storage Container Pale Yellow
$8.00 |
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 | Cat Tree House Toy Bed Condo Post Furniture F21
$0.99 |
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|  | ELEGANT PET CARRIER
$32.00 |
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 | K9 ADVANTIX FLEA KIT FOR DOGS 11-20 LBS 8 DOSES
$34.99 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS 12 MONTH SUPPLY
$76.00 |
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 | Ear Cleaner for Cats- 3-8oz Bottles-Prevent Infections
$14.98 |
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|  | SPECIAL 16 MONTH FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$34.99 |
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$2/1 Good Life Recipe Cats/Dogs Food-10 Coupons 11/22
$1.60 |
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|  | 48" Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F43
$0.99 |
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 | 51" Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F51
$0.99 |
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|  | 8 MONTH FRONTLINE PLUS FLEA KIT CAT KITTEN GREEN 3 6 12
$19.93 |
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 | 78" Cat Tree House Condo Scratcher Post Furniture F2029
$0.99 |
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|  | Cute Cat Dish decorated with two really cute cats NEW
$1.99 |
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 | Cat Fountain filtered water bowl / dish! NEW IN BOX NR
$18.99 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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 | 8 MONTH FRONTLINE PLUS FLEA CAT KITTEN GREEN KIT 3 6 12
$19.93 |
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|  | BEST 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$16.50 |
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 | Footprint Adjust Nylon cat collars wt bell (3)$
$7.46 |
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|  | Frontline Plus For Dogs 89-132lbs. 6 Applications! NIB
$51.01 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS FLEA CONTROL FOR CATS 8 MONTHLY DOSES
$18.99 |
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|  | BIG SALE 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$16.50 |
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 | advantage Tropical Flea Treatment Dogs 55lbs + (8 pac)
$64.50 |
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|  | CHenille bed chocolate Medium cat/ dog
$17.00 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS cats FLEA & TICK med 16 month supply ~
$36.99 |
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|  | Cat Tree Toy Bed House Scratcher Post Furniture F602-B
$0.99 |
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 | Frontline Plus Cats 6 "FREE USA SHIPPING* 3 12 TOO!
$32.95 |
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|  | CAT FOUNTAIN + CLEMSON TIGERS DOG FOOD DISH
$5.95 |
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 | PORTABLE BLACKLIGHT HELPS DETECT CAT URINE *3406*
$9.95 |
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|  | PORCELAIN WARNING CRAZY CAT SIGN MINT
$12.00 |
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 | BIG Litter Box BIG Cat Pan OVERSIZED LARGE Multi Cat
$16.99 |
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|  | 20 Wholesome Goodness Cat Food Coupons-10/FREE-BOGO
$1.76 |
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 | 45" Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F05
$0.99 |
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|  | DEAL 16 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$34.99 |
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 | WOW 16 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$34.99 |
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|  | MIRACLE COAT® Foaming Waterless Shampoo for Cats - 7 oz
$7.99 |
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 | Original Motorized Weazel Ball Gag / Prank / Toy - NEW
$6.99 |
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|  | CleverCat Top Entry Cat LitterBox Litter Box Heavy Duty
$25.90 |
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 | 22x24 FRINGED PURR Cat Double Fleece Bed / Blanket
$5.00 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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 | Frontline Plus for Cats (6 months)~ NOT A KIT
$24.99 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL KIT 10 doses SMALL DOGS 0-9 lbs
$18.95 |
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 | ADVANTAGE flea control cats over 9 lbs 4 pack EPA APRV
$29.05 |
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|  | Rhinestone Cat Safety Collar, Brand New Pink
$9.75 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL CATS & KITTENS 0-10 LBS 10 DOSES
$17.99 |
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