| 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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|  | 70" Cat Tree House Condo Scratcher Post Furniture F71
$0.99 |
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 | CATNIP HEAVEN SIX CATNIP TOYS HANDCRAFTED-CAT TOY-PET
$5.49 |
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|  | 72" Cat Tree House Scratcher Post Furniture F2040-Blue
$0.99 |
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 | Zanies Princess Cat pet Costume fits all Cats Kitten
$4.99 |
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|  | L@@K! large 3 opening cat tunnel, bowl, 2 collars, toys
$25.00 |
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 | ONE Honeysuckle Double Whammie CAT TOY FERRET TOYS PET
$4.29 |
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|  | KITTY-LOVER GIFT BASKET INCLUDING ANN CLARK ITEMS
$30.00 |
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 | 70" Cat Tree House Condo Scratcher Post Furniture F72-B
$0.99 |
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|  | Cat-OPOLY The Board Game - Like Monopoly with Cats
$31.85 |
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 | Set 6 Replacement FILTERS Hagen CatIt Drinking Fountain
$13.00 |
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|  | M.A.X. Fish Bone Cat Scratching Pad
$13.95 |
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 | kitten, cat scratcher,cat toy,cat activity pole
$4.99 |
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|  | HANDMADE CATNIP MAT
$8.00 |
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 | HANDMADE "FISH" CATNIP TOYS
$5.00 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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 | GET A PRICE ADVANTAGE ON 12mos FLEA KILLER CATS OVER 9#
$29.95 |
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|  | Frontline Plus for Cats (6 month) ~NOTa KIT
$16.75 |
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 | BIG Litter Box BIG Cat Pan OVERSIZED LARGE Multi Cat
$16.99 |
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|  | Blue Seat Belt Cat Car Safety Harness Restraint
$6.94 |
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 | 12 $1 off coupons NUTRO MAX CAT/NCCC cat food pouches
$0.99 |
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|  | 8 coupons/$20 total for NUTRO MAX CAT dry cat food
$0.99 |
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 | Dog / Cat / Pet Memorial: Rainbow Bridge Story
$0.99 |
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|  | 73" Cat Tree Condo House Scratcher Pet Furniture bed-08
$99.99 |
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 | 20/ BOGO Coupons Whiskas Purrfectly Pouch Wet Cat Food
$0.99 |
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|  | Motorized Bubble Mouse / Cat toy
$2.99 |
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 | ROYAL SPLENDOR DOG OR CAT PET BED BEDS DOG/CAT NEW
$29.99 |
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|  | Cute Little Cat Water Dish
$2.50 |
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 | fur mice -60 piece-natural colors
$8.99 |
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|  | Cat Scratch Wave/Pet toy Furniture condo tree Brand new
$9.99 |
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 | 16 FANCY FEAST ELEGANT MEDLEYS CAT FOOD COUPONS $1.00/6
$0.99 |
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|  | cat scratcher,cat toy,cat activity pole
$8.99 |
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 | Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F10
$0.99 |
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|  | Heated Pet Bed for Cats and Dogs
$28.35 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS CAT 6 MONTHS FREE SHIPPING
$32.95 |
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|  | Large PLACEMAT Hagen CatIt Filtered Drinking Fountain
$13.25 |
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 | Cat Scratching Post 17.5 "/pet toy furniture condo tree
$9.99 |
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|  | Black Car Van SUV Truck CAT Auto Seat Belt Pet Harness
$6.94 |
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 | CAT/DOG CARRIER 13"LONG 9"WIDE 8"TALL, 2 DOORS, 3 WNDWS
$2.00 |
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|  | 15-$1/1 FANCYFEAST GOURMET GOLD DRYFOOD COUPONS x12/08
$0.99 |
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 | .094 PET TENT CARRIER - BLUE - CAT ON CLOUD DESIGN NEW
$0.99 |
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|  | Porcelain Dogs Rule Dish Fenix Research Group -NEW
$2.50 |
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 | Santa Paws Hat Toy for cats and kittens! Great Gift!
$4.99 |
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|  | 2 PLUSH MICE BY ZANIES GREAT CAT TOY-TOYS FOR PET
$1.35 |
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 | 94" Cat Tree Condo House Scratcher Pet Furniture bed-09
$109.99 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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 | Cat Away, Catnip Mist, Boundary & Catnip
$5.00 |
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|  | 24" COGNAC SISAL CAT SCRATCHING POST COMBO SPECIAL
$29.99 |
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 | GENUINE BAYER ADVANTAGE® FLEA 6 DOSES CATS OVER 9 LBS
$29.95 |
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|  | Furminator Cats Small 1.75" Pro Deshedding Tool New
$14.95 |
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 | PETMATE FRESH FLOW CAT DOG WATER FOUNTAIN IVORY WHITE
$29.49 |
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|  | GREAT 16 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$36.00 |
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 | BEST 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$19.00 |
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|  | GREAT DEAL 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$19.00 |
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 | Harley Davidosn Cat Collar with Rhinestones and Charm!
$5.99 |
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|  | Mickey Mouse cat dish, signed Walt Disney Company
$0.99 |
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 | MITTY KITTY Pet Hair Remover, Lint Remover & Groomer
$4.60 |
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|  | Cat Toy Lot 2 Rattle Multi-Colored Mice/Pet Brand new
$0.99 |
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 | SPECIAL MOMENTS PHOTO FRAME FOR CATS HOLDS 5 PHOTO'S
$2.99 |
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|  | Rhinestone Cat Safety Collar, Brand New
$9.75 |
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 | .097 PET TENT CARRIER - RED - CAT ON CLOUD DESIGN NEW
$0.99 |
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|  | 5 CATGENIE CAT GENIE SANISOLUTION SMART CARTRIDGE 15 OZ
$60.00 |
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 | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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|  | NEW Blue Fluffy Cat or Dog Pet Bed 20x20"- Pet Supply
$11.50 |
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 | Soft Claws Nail Caps for Cats - Medium 40 Caps - New
$11.25 |
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|  | FRANK & FIFI FLAT MICE BY SMARTCAT-CAT TOY-TOYS-PET
$2.99 |
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 | Vintage Bretby Stoneware PUSSY Cat Kitty Bowl England
$2.99 |
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|  | Cat Toy 6 Bright Colorful Rattle Mice Catnip Brand New
$0.99 |
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 | 12 LitterMaid LMR200 Waste Containers Receptacles NIB
$10.99 |
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|  | Fresh Step Scoopable Cat Litter Free 14 lb Coupon Pets
$5.00 |
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 | FEATHERED CAT NIP TEASER STICK plush tail pet toys
$3.99 |
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|  | Leopard cat Tent
$11.00 |
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 | 4 PLASTIC BALLS BY PENN-PLAX-GREAT CAT TOYS FOR PETS
$2.99 |
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|  | Slumber Pet Thermal Kitty/Dog/Cat Mat Leopard Bed Gray
$11.99 |
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 | WATCH 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$19.00 |
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|  | Cat Tree Toy Bed House Scratcher Post Furniture F12
$0.99 |
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 | New Kitty Cat Fun Play Tunnel 4 Feet Long Pet Cats Toy
$9.41 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS AND KITTENS 6PK
$13.53 |
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 | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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|  | 42" Cat Tree Condo House Scratcher Pet Furniture bed-07
$39.99 |
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 | 36 Cans of FANCY FEAST CAT FOOD! Two TREATS & SHIPPING!
$22.50 |
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|  | Soft-Sided Carrier for Cat or Small Dog
$2.00 |
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 | Frontline Plus for Cats (6 mon.) ~NOTa KIT
$19.99 |
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|  | Hip CAT COLLAR Teal Camouflage CAMO ADJUSTABLE 7-11"
$5.95 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS CAT 12 MONTH FREE GIFTS
$60.35 |
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|  | 38" Cat Tree House Condo Scratcher Post Furniture F38
$0.99 |
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 | 72" Cat Tree House Scratcher Post Furniture F2041-Blue
$0.99 |
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|  | Hagen CatIt Pet Water DRINKING FOUNTAIN for Cats & Dogs
$26.99 |
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 | 10 CATNIP YARN BALL 3" HANDCRAFTED CAT TOY-TOYS-PET
$8.49 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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 | Pet Dog Cat Fresh Water Fountain Watering Dish Waterer
$33.99 |
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|  | New small leopard print pet cat or dog bed kitty cats
$10.98 |
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 | Merrick Gourmet Entrees Cat Food - TWO Variety Packs!
$7.95 |
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|  | MARVEL MITTS Pet Hair Remover, Lint Remover & Grooming
$9.25 |
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 | WOW- Frontline Plus for Cats and Kittens*^KIT*^8 dose
$16.50 |
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|  | Bugs Bunny with cap, Cat dish, signed Warner Brothers
$0.99 |
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 | Cat Angel Tie Tack Pin Nice Pewter With 24KGldPlate WOW
$4.99 |
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|  | CUSTOM WOOD PET URNS, DOGS CATS, MEMORIAL URN BLOODWOOD
$34.97 |
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 | .135: Cat HOME: Double Tower Platforms w/ Cave Tunnel
$7.20 |
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