| 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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 | PAW, I LOVE MY CATS Magnet, Feral Cat Rescue Ribbon
$5.00 |
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|  | Matatabi plain powder - Japanese catnip
$5.80 |
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 | BIO SPOT ON 6 month FLEA EGGS TICK 5 lbs & OVER CATS
$37.99 |
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|  | 16 MONTH FRONTLINE PLUS FOR ALL SIZE CATS USA EPA 6 12
$34.95 |
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 | Ammo-Cat Litter Additive 24oz Keeps Litter Fresh Longer
$2.90 |
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|  | BRAND NEW ScoopWell PREMIUM LITTER SCOOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
$5.88 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL KIT 4 CATS 10 LBS & UP 10 DOSES
$33.99 |
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|  | Paws Ceramic Cat Dish - Teal Squares - 5
$2.30 |
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 | CAT Collar - Ribbon Overlay 7-12" White/Pink/Blue (UE)
$14.95 |
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|  | 20 Month Advantage For Cats up to 9 Pounds USA EPA 6 12
$35.95 |
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 | 8 Month Frontline Plus For All Size Cats USA EPA 3 6 12
$18.50 |
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|  | DEAL!! FRONTLINE PLUS 16 MONTH KIT CATS/KITTENS EPA!!
$35.50 |
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 | 5 Month Advantage for Cats over 9 Pounds USA EPA 4 6 12
$18.50 |
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|  | Take advantage affordable flea control cat up to 9# 3mo
$5.70 |
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 | BIO SPOT ON 3 month FLEA EGGS TICK UNDER 5 lbs KITTENS
$19.99 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL KIT CATS 10 LBS & UP 10 MONTHS
$33.99 |
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NEW Catwalk Multi Magnetic 4 Way Locking Cat Door Gray
$42.89 |
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|  | NEW Catwalk Non Magnetic 4 Way Locking Cat Door White
$33.89 |
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 | NIP-ADORABLE CAT PRINCESS COSTUME-HALLOWEEN! ONE SIZE
$6.99 |
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|  | New CLS design! CAT: Small 6-8 lb RED Soft Claws Paws
$17.98 |
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 | 20 MONTH ADVANTAGE CATS UP TO 9 POUNDS USA EPA 4 6 12
$35.50 |
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|  | Ssscat Repels Cat/Dog Motion Activated Training Spray
$34.99 |
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 | 3-pack Drinkwell Platinum HighCapacity Filter Cartridge
$4.99 |
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|  | BRAND NEW ScoopWell PREMIUM LITTER SCOOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
$10.88 |
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 | 10 MONTH ADVANTAGE FOR CATS UP TO 9 POUNDS USA EPA 6 12
$17.99 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL KIT 4 CATS 0-9 LBS 20 MONTHS
$33.99 |
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 | 8 MONTH FRONTLINE PLUS FOR ALL SIZE CATS USA EPA 6 8 12
$17.99 |
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|  | New CLS design! CAT: Med 9-13 lb CLEAR Soft Claws Paws
$17.98 |
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 | New CLS design! CAT: Medium 9-13 lb RED Soft Claws Paws
$17.98 |
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|  | Drinking Fountain Catit Electric 12V For Cats
$39.40 |
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 | Comfort Zone Feliway Plug In Vial 48ml TWO REFILLS Cat
$32.99 |
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|  | Flint River Ranch Cat and Kitten Food 9 lbs
$23.40 |
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 | New CLS design! - CAT: Med 9-13 lb PINK Soft Claws Paws
$17.98 |
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|  | Cat Scratch Post Sisal Kitten Toy Scratching Stand Claw
$15.99 |
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 | NEW Catwalk Non Magnetic 4 Way Locking Cat Door Gray
$33.89 |
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|  | NEW Pet Fountain SELF WATERER cat dog water bowl auto
$42.88 |
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 | SAFARI Shedding Blade for Your Cat
$2.99 |
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|  | NEW Catwalk Multi Magnetic 4 Way Locking Cat Door White
$49.89 |
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 | Wild Tail Motorized Pet Toy--The Ultimate Toy For Cats
$9.99 |
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|  | 10 Month Advantage For Cats over 9 Pounds USA EPA 6 12
$35.95 |
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 | New CLS design! CAT Med 9-13 lb BLACK Soft Claws Paws
$17.98 |
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|  | NIP! CASUAL KITTY PINK FUZZY SWEATER LARGE
$3.50 |
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 | 15 - Friskies Party Mix Buy 1 Get 1 Free Coupon
$1.99 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL KIT FOR CATS 0-10 LBS 20 MONTHS
$33.99 |
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 | Play-n-Squeak Fishing Pole Toy for Your Cat--GO FISHING
$17.99 |
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|  | Garfield Pet Cat Water or Food Dish Bowl + Laser Toy
$9.95 |
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 | Eliminate Littermaid Waste Receptacle Replacements
$6.99 |
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|  | TWO Zanies Fuzzy Ball-RETAIL $.99 CAT TOY-TOYS-PET
$1.39 |
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 | NEW Catwalk Magnetic Cat Dog Door PAIR EXTRA MAGNETS
$9.89 |
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|  | MIRACLE COAT® Spray-On Waterless Shampoo for Cats 8 oz
$6.99 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL KIT FOR CATS 0-10 LBS 20 DOSES
$33.99 |
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|  | NEW LitterMaid LM900 Self-Cleaning Litter Maid Cat Box
$98.99 |
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 | MIRACLE COAT® Spray-On Shed Reducer for Cats - 7 oz
$8.99 |
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|  | 10 Month Advantage For Cats 0 - 9 Pounds USA EPA 4 6 12
$18.50 |
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 | Flint River Ranch Cat and Kitten Food 40 lbs
$74.69 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL KIT 4 CATS 0-10 LBS 20 DOSES
$33.99 |
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 | Automatic Our Pets Smartscoop Plus Cat Litter Box NEW!
$99.95 |
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|  | 16 Month Frontline Plus For All Size Cats USA EPA 6 12
$35.95 |
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 | WOW!! 8 MONTH FRONTLINE PLUS KIT EPA!!! CATS/KITTENS
$18.50 |
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|  | 4 pk Advantage Cats 9-18 lb EPA Sealed Box (AUTHENTIC)
$35.00 |
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 | 6 Pack Frontline for cats of any weight Long dated
$51.00 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL KIT 4 CATS 10 LBS & UP 10 MONTHS
$33.99 |
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 | Booda Dome Litter Box Iris Odor-Free Design
$13.70 |
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|  | Lot of 12 TRIM TREATS Variety Pack for Cat - 3 Flavors
$32.28 |
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 | Shed-X Formula For Cats 8 Oz Reduces Shedding
$3.60 |
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|  | 8 MONTHS FRONTLINE PLUS KIT CATS/KITTENS EPA APPROVED!
$18.50 |
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 | New CLS design! CAT Small 6-8 lb BLUE Soft Claws Paws
$17.98 |
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|  | BIO SPOT ON 3 month FLEA EGGS TICK 5 lbs & OVER CATS
$19.99 |
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 | DEAL!!! 16 MONTH KIT FRONTLINE PLUS CATS/KITTENS EPA!!!
$35.50 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS 6 MONTH KIT SMALL DOGS 0-22LBS EPA!
$18.50 |
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 | Savvy Tabby Jungle Jabbers Peeping Feathered Cat Toy LG
$12.99 |
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|  | CLS design with 2 sizes! KITTEN & SMALL Soft Claws Paws
$17.98 |
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 | FRONTLINE Flea & Tick Control for Cats & Kittens 3 MO
$30.99 |
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| NEW Catwalk Multi Magnetic 4 Way Locking Cat Door Gray
$49.89 |
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 | CAT Collar - Ribbon Overlay - 7-12" - Black (UE)
$14.95 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL FOR CATS 0-9 LBS 20 MONTHS
$33.99 |
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 | K&H thermo Kitty Sill Cat bed for window New UnHeated
$29.99 |
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|  | Cat Life Furniture w/toys - Style, Quality, Fun - catf9
$69.99 |
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 | Kong Refillable Jungle Mouse Catnip Cat Toy
$19.99 |
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|  | Mite Off Blue 8.75 Oz
$3.70 |
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 | Flint River Ranch Cat and Kitten Food 20 lbs
$42.95 |
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|  | Plush Dog Crate Mat Bed Cat Puppy Thick 18 X 12 NEW
$22.99 |
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 | 1/2 lb. All Natural MINNESOTA CAT WHEAT GRASS Seeds
$9.99 |
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|  | NEW (2) Comfort Zone Feliway Diffusers & Vials Farnam
$49.00 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL FOR CATS 0-10 LBS 20 DOSES
$33.99 |
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|  | New CLS design! CAT: Small 6-8 lb CLEAR Soft Claws Paws
$17.98 |
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 | PetSafe CAT WINDOOR CAT ENTRY DOOR
$72.54 |
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|  | Ba-Da-Beam Automatic Rotating Laser Cat Toy--GREAT FUN
$16.99 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL FOR CATS 10 LBS AND UP 10 MONTHS
$33.99 |
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|  | K&H thermo Kitty Sill Cat bed for window New Heated
$44.98 |
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 | NEW Tonka Wicker Cat Dog Pet Bed & Cushion SHIPS FREE
$101.61 |
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|  | 10 MONTH ADVANTAGE FOR CATS OVER 9 POUNDS USA EPA 6 12
$35.50 |
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 | 5 MONTH ADVANTAGE FOR CATS OVER 9 POUNDS USA EPA 4 6 12
$17.99 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL FOR CATS 10 LBS AND UP 10 DOSES
$33.99 |
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 | New CLS design! - CAT Large 14+ lb PINK Soft Claws Paws
$17.98 |
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|  | EPA APPROVED! 8 MONTHS FRONTLINE PLUS KIT CATS/KITTENS
$18.50 |
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 | 16 MONTH KIT FRONTLINE PLUS CATS/KITTENS EPA! DEAL!!
$35.50 |
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|  | Savvy Tabby Jungle Jabbers Peeping Feathered Cat Toy LG
$12.99 |
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