| 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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 | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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|  | Soft Claws Nail Caps/Covers for Cats-Size Small-Clear
$7.99 |
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 | Sergeant's Pet Door Size Small NEW!
$9.00 |
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|  | 45" Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F40
$0.99 |
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 | Bach Rescue Remedy -Natural Stress Reliever(20 mL)
$13.99 |
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|  | 12 LitterMaid LMR Waste Receptacles Containers Litter
$10.99 |
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 | Meow Town Kitty Cat Puppy Bassinet Blue Dog Bed
$15.99 |
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|  | DISPOSABLE applicators 8 DOSES CAT KIT FRONTLINE PLUS 6
$21.99 |
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 | PVC Pet Bed Pink Hammock Cat Dog Ferret Gift
$15.50 |
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|  | GREAT 16 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$36.00 |
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 | CATS24/7 CREATED BY RICK SMOLAN AND DAVID ELLIOT COHEN
$5.99 |
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|  | Drinkwell Water Fountain
$45.00 |
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 | Bach Rescue Remedy -Stress Reliever Spray(20mL)
$14.99 |
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|  | Urine Off Odor & Stain Remover FOR DOGS (GALLON)
$32.99 |
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 | FURminator DeShedding Tool CATS 1.7
$22.99 |
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|  | New small leopard print pet cat or dog bed kitty cats
$10.98 |
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 | NEW! CAT LOVERS CATNIP CAT TOY CHRISTMAS GIFT BASKET
$23.39 |
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|  | NEW! 6-PACK Pill Pockets CHICKEN 9.6 oz (270 pockets)
$26.59 |
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 | Cool New Cat or Dog Pet Bed Pad Mat Pillow for Crate
$12.34 |
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|  | PVC Pet Bed Black & Pink Hammock Cat Dog Ferret Gift
$15.50 |
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 | WATCH 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$19.00 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS CAT 12 MONTH FREE GIFTS
$60.35 |
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|  | New Kitty Cat Fun Play Tunnel 4 Feet Long Pet Cats Toy
$9.41 |
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 | NEW! 6-PACK Pill Pockets LARGE 45.6 oz (180 pockets)
$39.95 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS CAT 6 MONTHS FREE SHIPPING
$32.95 |
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 | .135: Cat HOME: Double Tower Platforms w/ Cave Tunnel
$7.20 |
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|  | New BR 3x12x4H Cat Dog Cage Pen Crate Kennel Free Ship
$399.00 |
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 | 42" Cat Tree Condo House Scratcher Pet Furniture bed-07
$39.99 |
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|  | "HUGE"Cat Tree House Condo Scratcher Post Furniture FC6
$149.00 |
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 | SALE Holiday Cat/Kitten Crate Mat/Pad Cage Bed & Toys
$9.99 |
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|  | Lupine 1/2" Nylon Adj. Dog Collar Black Cherry NEW
$5.75 |
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 | 72" Cat Tree House Scratcher Post Furniture F2041-Beige
$0.99 |
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|  | Frontline Plus for Cats (6 month) ~NOTa KIT
$24.99 |
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 | 94" Cat Tree Condo House Scratcher Pet Furniture bed-09
$109.99 |
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|  | 62" Cat Tree House Condo Scratcher Post Furniture F28
$0.99 |
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 | Cat Tree Toy Bed House Scratcher Post Furniture F601-B
$0.99 |
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|  | 10 $4.00 off any bag of IAMS dry food exp 3/31/09
$0.99 |
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 | FRESH DIGEST INTESTINAL AID FOR CATS 200 GRAMS NEW!
$27.99 |
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|  | .097 PET TENT CARRIER - RED - CAT ON CLOUD DESIGN NEW
$0.99 |
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 | 12 MONTH Advantage Purple for cats over 9lbs.
$104.99 |
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|  | 38" Cat Tree House Condo Scratcher Post Furniture F38
$0.99 |
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 | 18 FANCY FEAST ELEGANT MEDLEYS CAT FOOD COUPONS $1.00/6
$0.99 |
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|  | Cat Litter Box Cover Pasadena Cottage Living
$39.95 |
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 | 20 coupons for IAMS can food buy 2 get 1 free 3/31/09
$0.99 |
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|  | 72" Cat Tree House Scratcher Post Furniture F2040-Blue
$0.99 |
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 | ORGANIC BARLEY SEEDS - CAT GRASS - FREE SHIPPING
$3.00 |
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|  | Zodiac Cats Fleas Ticks Collars Control 4 Months Supply
$2.75 |
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 | 12 MONTH Advantage Orange for cats under 9lbs.
$104.99 |
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|  | NEW! 6-PACK Pill Pockets SMALL 21 oz (210 pockets)
$33.95 |
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 | New Deluxe 42" Cat Tree Condo Furniture, BP-5022
$48.98 |
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|  | .094 PET TENT CARRIER - BLUE - CAT ON CLOUD DESIGN NEW
$0.99 |
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 | Cat Litter Box Cover Yellowstone, A Cabin Hideaway
$39.95 |
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|  | SUPER 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$19.00 |
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 | Thermo-Kitty Hut Bed 18" x 18" x 8" Mocha or Sage
$36.99 |
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|  | CAT SANTA HAT AND RUFF CHRISTMAS OUTFIT NIB
$1.99 |
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 | New Kitty Cat Fun Play Tunnel 4 Feet Long Pet Cats Toy
$9.41 |
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|  | Custom Cat Condo Tree Sisal Scratcher Single Post w/Bed
$149.99 |
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 | NEW GENUINE CRYSTAL FOX FUR POM KEYCHAIN KEY CHAIN
$9.95 |
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|  | Urine off Odor & Stain Remover FOR CATS (GALLON)
$32.99 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS CAT 12 MONTH FREE GIFTS
$60.35 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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 | Lupine 1/2" Nylon Adj.Dog Collar 6"-9" Sea Ponies NEW
$5.75 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS FLEA & TICK KIT FOR CATS 16 DOSES
$33.99 |
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|  | PETSAFE MICRO ID RESCUE COLLAR FOR CATS NEW!!!!
$39.99 |
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 | Meow Town Kitty Cat Puppy Bassinet Pink Dog Bed NEW
$15.99 |
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|  | New Cat Lovers Avoid Cat Litter Box Cleaning Hassles
$69.99 |
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 | Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F18
$0.99 |
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|  | ORGANIC BARLEY SEEDS - CAT GRASS - FREE SHIPPING
$3.00 |
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 | NEW! 6-PACK Pill Pockets SALMON 9.6 oz (270 pockets)
$26.59 |
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|  | 20" Cat Tree Condo House Scratcher Pet Furniture bed-12
$29.99 |
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 | 49" Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F41
$0.99 |
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|  | 94" Cat Tree Condo House Scratcher Pet Furniture bed-09
$109.99 |
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 | 6 adjustable nylon cat collars wt a bell#
$15.20 |
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|  | 24 LitterMaid LMR Waste Receptacles Containers Litter
$21.95 |
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 | 55" Cat Tree Condo House Scratcher Pet Furniture bed-3B
$59.99 |
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|  | Bach Rescue Remedy - Natural Stress Reliever (10 mL)
$9.99 |
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 | ORGANIC BARLEY SEEDS - CAT GRASS - FREE SHIPPING
$3.00 |
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|  | NEW Blue Fluffy Cat or Dog Pet Bed 20x20"- Pet Supply
$11.50 |
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 | 51" Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F51
$0.99 |
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|  | GREAT DEAL 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$19.00 |
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 | New Cat Lovers Avoid Cat Litter Box Cleaning Hassles
$69.99 |
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|  | Cat Litter Box Cover Mi Casa
$39.95 |
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 | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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|  | New Cat Lovers Avoid Cat Litter Box Cleaning Hassles
$69.99 |
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 | 67" Cat Tree Condo House Scratcher Pet Furniture bed-15
$99.99 |
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|  | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #A4201
$0.99 |
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 | Soft Claws 40 Clear Nail Caps Size SMALL 6-8lbs
$7.99 |
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|  | Cat Litter Box Cover Midtown Apartment Dwell
$39.95 |
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 | Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F15
$0.99 |
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|  | PVC Pet Bed White Hammock Dog Ferret Gift
$15.50 |
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 | PETMATE Water Fountain for Cats or Small Dogs~Used
$7.99 |
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|  | BUILD -IT-YOURSELF CAT TREE TREE Furniture plans
$3.99 |
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 | Panic Mouse Battery Operated Cat Toy- Variable Speed
$0.99 |
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|  | 5 CATNIP BAGS! HOME GROWN! HOME SEWN CAT FABRIC TOYS!
$4.99 |
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 | PVC Pet Bed Ghost Camo Hammock Cat Dog Ferret Gift
$15.50 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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 | Staywell Infra Red Infrared Cat Door NIB Fast SHIP
$49.95 |
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|  | Cat Litter Box Cover Bora Bora, A Tropical Hut
$39.95 |
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