| 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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 | Pet Dog Bed Natural Fiber Fill Fleece Top LARGE Blue
$30.00 |
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|  | New Kitty Cat Fun Play Tunnel 4 Feet Long Pet Cats Toy
$9.41 |
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 | Soft PET Dog House Furniture Coral Red / White Fabric
$50.00 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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 | NEW PET Rectangular Puppy Print Dog Bed SMALL Tan
$25.00 |
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|  | LITTERWORKS CABINET STAND DIY KIT Littermaid Litter box
$49.89 |
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 | NIP Automatic Pet Feeder CatMate C20
$4.00 |
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|  | VO TOYS/VIP KITTY FUN HOUSE CHEESE -BED -NEW
$26.99 |
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 | 45" Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F05
$0.99 |
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|  | WOW 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$19.00 |
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 | HUGE 16 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$36.00 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE DOG/CAT KIT 4,5 AND 10 MONTH SUPPLLY EPA USA
$16.85 |
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 | PET Round Puppy Print Dog Bed Natural Fill TAN Blue
$35.00 |
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|  | Kitty cat condo condos tree house bed toy furniture 73B
$24.99 |
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 | PET Dog Bed Natural Fiber Fill Fleece Top Medium Blue
$22.00 |
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|  | Catnap Cheetah Print Lady Bug Pet Sofa Wooden Frame
$110.00 |
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 | PINK CHEETAH LEOPARD PRINT BOLSTER DOG BED PAD CAT 22"
$0.01 |
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|  | BURGUNDY Dog Bed Natural Fiber Fill Fleece Top LARGE
$30.00 |
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 | Catnap USA Made Orange Catfish Pet Sofa Wooden Frame
$238.00 |
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|  | Catnap Yellow Stripes Vertigo Pet Animal Sofa USA Made
$150.00 |
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 | New small leopard print pet cat or dog bed kitty cats
$10.98 |
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|  | CAT SCRATCHING POST KITTY CAT PLAY FURNITURE CARPET
$4.99 |
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 | Catnap Black Catwheel Pet Sofa Wooden Frame USA Made
$119.98 |
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|  | Van Ness Small Cat Pan Liners For Litter Box (5 Boxes)
$4.99 |
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 | Dog Pet Bed Natural Fiber Fleece Top Medium Burgundy
$22.00 |
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|  | 55" Cat Tree Condo House Scratcher Pet Furniture bed-3B
$59.99 |
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 | NEW Soft Dog Pet House Red Bear Print Checkered Fabric
$48.00 |
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|  | New Kitty Cat Scratcher Tree Post Pet Furniture w Toy
$9.72 |
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 | 6 adjustable nylon cat collars wt bell#
$15.20 |
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|  | (18) PURINA FRISKIES BRAND DRY CAT FOOD COUPONS $1.50/2
$0.99 |
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 | Catnap Pink Petticoat Sofa Animal Furniture USA Made
$110.00 |
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|  | Catnap Champagne Catwheel Pet Upholstered Animal Sofa
$119.98 |
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 | Catnap Jungle Chaise Lounge Pet Animal Chair Sofa NEW
$164.00 |
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|  | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #B6802
$0.99 |
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 | Catnap USA Made Orange Niveau Pet Sofa Animal Chair
$150.00 |
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|  | Fling Ama String Cat Toy
$19.99 |
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 | 18 PURINA FRISKIES SELECTS CANNED CAT FOOD COUPONS $1/4
$0.99 |
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|  | Van Ness Large Cat Litter Pans(12) CASE WHOLESALE
$9.99 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS CAT 6 MONTHS FREE SHIPPING
$32.95 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS DOG/CAT KIT 3 6 8 MONTH SUPPLY EPA USA!!
$16.85 |
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 | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #B6605
$0.99 |
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|  | .135: Cat HOME: Double Tower Platforms w/ Cave Tunnel
$7.20 |
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 | Frontline Plus for Cats (6 months) ~NOTa KIT
$24.99 |
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|  | NEW Round DOG Nest Pet Bed Olive Green Suede Comfy
$30.00 |
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 | Litterworks LINERS 3 Pack for Littermaid Receptacles
$34.89 |
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|  | SALE ~ Medium 9-13 ~ Soft Claws Paws Nail Caps Covers
$13.99 |
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 | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #A5201
$0.99 |
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|  | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #A6601
$0.99 |
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 | PET Dog Bed Natural Fiber Fill Fleece Top Medium Green
$22.00 |
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|  | Frontline Plus for Cats 3 Dose Box-3 Month Supply
$10.49 |
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 | Smart Scoop Cat Litter Box NIB
$99.99 |
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|  | Van Ness Small Cat Litter Pans(12) CASE WHOLESALE
$7.99 |
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 | 45" Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F04
$0.99 |
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|  | Catnap Beetle Luxury Pet Bed Champagne Animal Furniture
$238.00 |
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 | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #A7202
$0.99 |
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|  | 73" Cat Tree Condo House Scratcher Pet Furniture bed-8C
$99.99 |
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 | LITTERWORKS CABINET STAND 4 Littermaid ELITE LitterBox
$116.89 |
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|  | Catnap Dragonfly Chaise Pet Upholstered Animal Sofa
$164.00 |
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 | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #A6401
$0.99 |
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|  | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #B2903
$0.99 |
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Purina Whisker Lickins cat treats & Temptation coupons
$0.99 |
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|  | K&H Outdoor Heated Cat/Kitty Pad with Cover
$52.99 |
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 | Catnap USA Made Rose Catwheel Pet Sofa Wooden Frame
$119.98 |
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|  | Pet Dog Bed Natural Fiber Fill Fleece Top LARGE Green
$30.00 |
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 | 55" Cat Tree Condo House Scratcher Pet Furniture bed-05
$59.99 |
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|  | Catnap Bees Arm Chaise Pet Upholstered Sofa USA Made
$184.00 |
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 | NEW Rectangular Dog Pet Bed Cushion Suede Leopard Spots
$37.00 |
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|  | Whisker City Meow Cat Bowl plus Warren Kimble Cat Mugs
$1.30 |
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 | Catnap Black Chaise Lounge Pet Animal Sofa USA Made
$138.00 |
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|  | Bundle 6 + Boogie Mat Christmas Cat toys
$5.50 |
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 | Cat Tree House Furniture Condo Scratcher Bed Toys 80B
$24.99 |
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|  | X-Mat X Mat Dog Cat Pet Training Aid NIB
$8.99 |
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 | Cat Tree House Furniture Condo Scratcher Bed Toys 78C
$24.99 |
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|  | NEW Rectangular Dog Pet Bed Cushion Dark Brown Suede
$37.00 |
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 | PERSONALIZED 2 Spoiled Rotten CATS SIGN Pet Plaque
$8.95 |
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|  | Catnap Italian Flowers Arm Chaise Pet Sofa Wood Frame
$184.00 |
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 | Omega Paw Self Cleaning Rollaway Cat Litter Box LARGE
$35.99 |
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|  | MUST^..^L@@K Cat Tree Condo Scratcher Pet Furniture
$0.99 |
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 | Fat Cat Holiday Boogie Mat with Zoom Catnip
$5.50 |
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|  | 48" Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F43
$0.99 |
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 | Catnap Blue Petticoat Pet Sofa Furniture USA Made NEW
$110.00 |
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|  | Catnap Pink Lady Bug Pet Upholstered Sofa USA Made NEW
$110.00 |
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 | LITTERWORKS CABINET STAND for Littermaid Litter box
$99.89 |
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|  | SALE ~ Large 14+ lbs ~ Soft Claws Paws Nail Caps Covers
$13.99 |
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 | Petsafe 4-0111-11 Classic Door Replacement Flap Medium
$21.89 |
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|  | LITTERMAID LM900 MEGA LITTER BOX + LITTERWORKS CABINET
$199.89 |
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 | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #B7301
$0.99 |
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|  | NEW Catnap Black White Diamond Joker Pet Sofa USA Made
$164.00 |
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 | Catnap Green Petticoat Pet Upholstered Sofa USA Made
$110.00 |
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|  | NEW Rectangular DOG Pet Bed Cushion Olive Green Suede
$37.00 |
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 | SALE ~ Small 6-8 lb ~ Soft Claws Paws Nail Caps Covers
$13.99 |
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|  | Catnap USA Made Red Valentine Pet Animal Sofa USA Made
$130.00 |
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 | Triple Crown Everlasting Treats Chicken - Medium
$3.99 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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 | 50 Peacock Feathers - Cat Kitten Pet Store Shop Supply
$24.88 |
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|  | Catnap Elephants Chaise Pet Upholstered Animal Sofa
$164.00 |
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 | New Deluxe Beige 52" Cat Tree Condo Scratcher 5067
$48.88 |
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|  | NEW 41" LEOPARD Cat Tree Condo Scratcher Pet Furniture
$0.99 |
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 | Catnap Black Petticoat Pet Upholstered Animal Sofa
$110.00 |
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|  | NEW PET Cashmere Dog Blanket Burgundy Oatmeal
$118.99 |
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