| 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 for Dogs 4 months 21-55lbs
$36.00 |
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|  | Unique Pet Cat Odor and Stain Eliminator Gallon Case
$121.50 |
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 | Kitty Harness & Bungee Leash - LARGE / RED
$11.99 |
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|  | 4 CATGENIE REPLACEMENT WASHABLE GRANULES CAT LITTER BOX
$79.99 |
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 | MRHERZHER'S CRAFTMAN SERIES WOOD DOUBLE CAT SEAT PERCH
$149.99 |
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|  | CRATE COTS CAT HAMMOCKS GIFTS FOR CATS FERRETS PLUSH
$7.99 |
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 | Aria Jeweled Christmas Tree Cat Dog Collar Charm Multi
$4.99 |
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|  | Hand Painted Ceramic Cat Butler Treat/Cookie Jar...new
$18.00 |
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 | Urine Off Odor & Stain Remover FOR DOGS (GALLON)
$32.99 |
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|  | Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Kitty Cat Litter Box - LARGE
$37.90 |
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 | K & H Mocha Thermo-Crinkle Sack 15 x 12 x 10 Buysafe
$52.95 |
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|  | K&H Heated Ortho Thermo Dog Bed Year Round X-Large NEW
$66.77 |
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 | 10 Coupons $1/15 FRISKIES SEARED FILETS/FINE CUTS 12/15
$1.49 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL CATS OVER 9 lbs 5 MONTH SUPPLY 6
$17.49 |
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 | SmartCat Bootsie's Bunkbed and Playroom
$28.95 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FOR CATS 10-18 LB 10 DOSE FLEAS AND TICK
$33.95 |
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 | K&H THERMO-KITTY MAT 12.5" X 25" MOCHA HEATED CAT MAT
$44.98 |
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|  | 3 lg Rattle RAINBOW CATNIP FURRY MICE cat toy fur toys
$4.99 |
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 | Hip CAT COLLAR Christmas Snowflakes on Red SAFETY 7-11"
$5.95 |
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|  | SMILING KITTIES PET Christmas Stocking NAME TOYS TREATS
$13.29 |
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 | BARGAIN! 16 MONTH kit FRONTLINE PLUS- CATS/KITTENS- EPA
$35.50 |
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|  | Crunchkins / Purr-fect Greetings / Catnip card for cats
$5.49 |
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 | Hartz Ultra Guard Flea & Tick Shampoo for Cats NEW
$5.99 |
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|  | Christmas Holiday Stocking for Cats 6 Toys Catnip Mouse
$9.99 |
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 | "I LOVE CATS!" car round magnet QUALITY
$4.99 |
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|  | K&H HEATED THERMO KITTY CAT SILL HEATED WINDOWSILL BED
$34.99 |
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 | Coco Pearl Pet Necklace for Cat or Small Dog White
$9.99 |
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|  | Petsafe Cat Windoor Pet Cat Door for Window NEW
$74.99 |
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 | Pps 3/8InX12In Safety Collar Hot Pink For Cats
$3.70 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS KIT FOR DOGS AND CATS-USA/EPA!!
$35.50 |
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 | Malibu Surf House Cat Litter Box Cover
$39.95 |
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|  | Hip CAT COLLAR Christmas Candy Cane Stripe SAFETY 7-11"
$5.95 |
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 | Cat WHITE RHINESTONE Break away Safe COLLAR &Bell
$10.99 |
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|  | Christmas Holiday Purse for Cat + 4 Furry Mouse Toys!
$4.99 |
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 | Simple Solution Disposable Dog Diapers pkg of 12 x-lg
$9.95 |
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|  | Panic Mouse Motorized Cat Toy &1 Ceramic/1 Plastic Dish
$24.99 |
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 | NEW Multivet SSSCAT Cat Dog Spray Repellent Motion
$24.99 |
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|  | 3 pk filter for Catit cat water fountain systems
$6.29 |
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 | Cool Lap portable chilled ice pak water bowl dog travel
$12.95 |
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|  | SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
$47.95 |
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 | Cat BLACK RHINESTONE Break away Safe COLLAR &Bell
$10.99 |
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|  | Hip CAT COLLAR Christmas Candy Canes Green ADJUST 7-11"
$5.95 |
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 | SALE!-- 8 MONTH FRONTLINE PLUS kit CATS/KITTENS- EPA!!
$18.50 |
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|  | K&H HEATED THERMO KITTY CAT SILL HEATED WINDOWSILL BED
$34.99 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FLEA CATS UNDER 9 lbs 10 MONTH SUPPLY 1 4 6 8
$17.49 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FOR CATS 0-9 LB 20 DOSE FLEAS AND TICK
$33.95 |
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 | NEW! 6-PACK Pill Pockets LARGE 45.6 oz (180 pockets)
$39.95 |
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|  | 8 MONTHS FRONTLINE PLUS kit CATS/KITTENS- GREAT BUY!!
$18.50 |
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 | MR.HERZHER'S CRAFTMAN SERIES CAT SEAT, SINGLE SERIES
$83.79 |
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|  | K & H Thermo Kitty Lounger-Mocha Buysafe
$52.95 |
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 | Littermaid Carbon Filters
$16.65 |
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|  | Coco Pearl Pet Necklace for Cat or Small Dog Pink
$9.99 |
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 | FLUFF POOCHY DESIGNER DOG CARRIER Tan BREEDS-$ SHIP
$79.99 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL CATS OVER 9 lbs 5 MONTH SUPPLY 6
$17.97 |
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 | Glitzy Rhinestone Cat Collar East Side Collection Multi
$4.99 |
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|  | BARGAIN! 8 MONTHS FRONTLINE PLUS KIT CATS/KITTENS
$18.50 |
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 | K & H Sage Kitty Bed Thermo-Crinkle Sack 15 x 12 x 10
$52.95 |
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|  | Littermaid Electric Cat Litter Box
$111.37 |
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 | Carefresh Assorted Color Small Pet Bedding 5L Cs of 8
$19.40 |
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|  | ANTI ICKY POO! STARTER KIT, Enzyme Urine/Odor Remover
$37.95 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS NEW IN BOX 6 MONTH SUPPLY USA
$62.99 |
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|  | K & H Thermo Kitty Lounger-Sage Buysafe
$52.95 |
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 | ONE OZ 100% NATURAL ORGANIC CAT NIP
$0.99 |
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|  | New Debby Carman 5 Inch Purr Cat Dish FREE SHIPPING
$9.00 |
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 | Hip CAT COLLAR Christmas Trees on Red SAFETY Fits 7-11"
$5.95 |
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|  | 2 Bags CET VeggieDent Chews (Regular) (60 chews)
$29.99 |
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 | Cat RED RHINESTONE Break away Safe COLLAR &Bell
$10.99 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FOR CATS 10-18 LB 5 DOSE FLEAS AND TICK
$17.95 |
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 | Indoor Pet Containment and Dog & Cat Fences (Padlock)
$38.88 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS NEW IN BOX 3 MONTH SUPPLY USA
$36.99 |
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 | Littermaid 12pc Waste Containers
$19.07 |
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|  | 4 Omega Paw Self Cleaning Cat Kitty Litter Boxes Box
$99.99 |
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 | GREAT BUY! 8 months FRONTLINE PLUS KIT- CATS/kittens
$18.50 |
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|  | DEAL!--16 MONTH KIT FRONTLINE PLUS cats/kittens-EPA!!
$35.50 |
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 | SmartCat Peek-N-Play Toy Box - Cat Toy
$16.95 |
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|  | Cat PINK RHINESTONE Break away Safe COLLAR &Bell
$10.99 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FOR CATS 0-9 LB 10 DOSE FLEAS AND TICK
$17.95 |
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|  | 24 Month Frontline Plus for Cats and Kittens^KIT^EPA
$48.75 |
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 | K&H THERMO-KITTY MAT 12.5" X 25" SAGE HEATED CAT MAT
$44.98 |
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|  | NEW SCOOP FREE LITTER BOX & HOOD
$124.99 |
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 | Save A Life,Adopt A Homeless Pet Magnet,for Cat Rescue
$5.00 |
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|  | Hartz Ultra Guard Flea & Tick Drops for Cats 3 pack NEW
$5.99 |
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 | FURminator Deshedding Tool for Cats (16348)
$28.97 |
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|  | Outdoor Heated Thermo Cat Bed Pet Mat & Fleece Cover
$39.99 |
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 | Drinkwell 3pcs Pet Water Fountains Cleaning BRUSH Kits
$9.95 |
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|  | Cat Litter Odor Smell Removal Crystals - Halves Changes
$19.29 |
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 | K&H THERMO KITTY CAT SILL HEATED WINDOWSILL BED
$44.49 |
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|  | Cat BLUE RHINESTONE Break away Safe COLLAR &Bell
$10.99 |
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 | Pet Cat Dog Jingle Bell Holiday Christmas Stocking Grn
$9.99 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CATS UNDER 9 lbs 10 MONTH SUPPLY 1 4 6 8
$17.97 |
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 | MRHERZHER'S CRAFTMAN SERIES WOOD DOUBLE CAT SEAT PERCH
$149.99 |
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|  | K&H Kitty Sill Unheated Free Ship Buysafe
$39.95 |
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 | Cozy Couch Pet Bed by Pooch Planet for Dogs and Cats
$10.99 |
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|  | GENUINE BAYER ADVANTAGE® FLEA 6 DOSES CATS OVER 9 LBS
$27.95 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS KIT FOR CATS AND DOGS--USA/EPA!!!!
$35.50 |
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|  | 16 MONTH KIT FRONTLINE PLUS CATS/KITTENS EPA APPROVED!
$35.50 |
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 | PINK PET CAT & KITTEN DOUBLE FEEDER CUTEST KITTY DESIGN
$44.99 |
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|  | Green-UM XTRA for LARGER DOGS (1000 Tablets)
$79.99 |
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