| 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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 | BARGAIN! 16 MONTH kit FRONTLINE PLUS- CATS/KITTENS- EPA
$35.50 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL CATS OVER 9 lbs 5 MONTH SUPPLY 6
$17.49 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FLEA CATS UNDER 9 lbs 10 MONTH SUPPLY 1 4 6 8
$17.49 |
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|  | NEW SCOOP FREE LITTER BOX & HOOD
$124.99 |
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 | Unique Pet Cat Odor and Stain Eliminator Gallon Case
$121.50 |
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|  | FLUFF POOCHY DESIGNER DOG CARRIER Tan BREEDS-$ SHIP
$79.99 |
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 | Cat BLACK RHINESTONE Break away Safe COLLAR &Bell
$10.99 |
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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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|  | 16 MONTH KIT FRONTLINE PLUS CATS/KITTENS EPA APPROVED!
$35.50 |
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 | 8 MONTHS FRONTLINE PLUS kit CATS/KITTENS- GREAT BUY!!
$18.50 |
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|  | Panic Mouse Motorized Cat Toy &1 Ceramic/1 Plastic Dish
$24.99 |
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 | Florescent UV Blacklight Black Light Urine Detector NB
$9.89 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL CATS OVER 9 lbs 5 MONTH SUPPLY 6
$17.97 |
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 | Coco Pearl Pet Necklace for Cat or Small Dog White
$9.99 |
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|  | 24 Month Frontline Plus for Cats and Kittens^KIT^EPA
$48.75 |
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 | Cat PINK RHINESTONE Break away Safe COLLAR &Bell
$10.99 |
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|  | Lean Treats for Cats, 3.5 oz bag (10 pack)
$17.89 |
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 | 4 CATGENIE REPLACEMENT WASHABLE GRANULES CAT LITTER BOX
$79.99 |
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|  | Littermaid Carbon Filters
$16.65 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FOR CATS 10-18 LB 5 DOSE FLEAS AND TICK
$17.95 |
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|  | GREAT BUY! 8 months FRONTLINE PLUS KIT- CATS/kittens
$18.50 |
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 | Kitty Harness & Bungee Leash - LARGE / RED
$11.99 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS NEW IN BOX 3 MONTH SUPPLY USA
$36.99 |
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 | K&H THERMO-KITTY MAT 12.5" X 25" MOCHA HEATED CAT MAT
$44.98 |
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|  | DEAL!--16 MONTH KIT FRONTLINE PLUS cats/kittens-EPA!!
$35.50 |
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 | Glitzy Rhinestone Cat Collar East Side Collection Multi
$4.99 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS KIT FOR CATS AND DOGS--USA/EPA!!!!
$35.50 |
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 | Petsafe Cat Windoor Pet Cat Door for Window NEW
$74.99 |
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|  | K & H Thermo Kitty Lounger-Mocha Buysafe
$52.95 |
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 | MRHERZHER'S CRAFTMAN SERIES WOOD DOUBLE CAT SEAT PERCH
$149.99 |
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|  | 10 Coupons $1/15 FRISKIES SEARED FILETS/FINE CUTS 12/15
$1.49 |
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 | K&H HEATED THERMO KITTY CAT SILL HEATED WINDOWSILL BED
$34.99 |
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|  | Drinkwell 3pcs Pet Water Fountains Cleaning BRUSH Kits
$9.95 |
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 | NEW Multivet SSSCAT Cat Dog Spray Repellent Motion
$23.99 |
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|  | ANTI ICKY POO! STARTER KIT, Enzyme Urine/Odor Remover
$37.95 |
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 | MRHERZHER'S CRAFTMAN SERIES WOOD DOUBLE CAT SEAT PERCH
$149.99 |
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|  | K & H Sage Kitty Bed Thermo-Crinkle Sack 15 x 12 x 10
$52.95 |
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 | SMILING KITTIES PET Christmas Stocking NAME TOYS TREATS
$13.29 |
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|  | FURminator Deshedding Tool for Cats (16348)
$28.97 |
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 | Christmas Holiday Stocking for Cats 6 Toys Catnip Mouse
$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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 | ADVANTAGE FOR CATS 10-18 LB 10 DOSE FLEAS AND TICK
$33.95 |
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|  | ONE OZ 100% NATURAL ORGANIC CAT NIP
$0.99 |
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 | SmartCat Peek-N-Play Toy Box - Cat Toy
$16.95 |
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|  | NEW! 6-PACK Pill Pockets LARGE 45.6 oz (180 pockets)
$39.95 |
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 | Christmas Holiday Purse for Cat + 4 Furry Mouse Toys!
$4.99 |
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|  | 3 pk filter for Catit cat water fountain systems
$6.29 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FOR CATS 0-9 LB 10 DOSE FLEAS AND TICK
$17.95 |
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|  | Indoor Pet Containment and Dog & Cat Fences (Padlock)
$38.88 |
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 | K&H THERMO-KITTY MAT 12.5" X 25" MOCHA HEATED CAT MAT
$44.98 |
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|  | Hip CAT COLLAR Christmas Snowflakes on Red SAFETY 7-11"
$5.95 |
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 | Simple Solution Disposable Dog Diapers pkg of 12 x-lg
$9.95 |
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|  | Hartz Ultra Guard Flea & Tick Drops for Cats 3 pack NEW
$5.99 |
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 | CRATE COTS CAT HAMMOCKS GIFTS FOR CATS FERRETS PLUSH
$7.99 |
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|  | 2 Bags CET VeggieDent Chews (Regular) (60 chews)
$29.99 |
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 | Cool Lap portable chilled ice pak water bowl dog travel
$12.95 |
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|  | Urine Off Odor & Stain Remover FOR DOGS (GALLON)
$32.99 |
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 | K&H THERMO-KITTY MAT 12.5" X 25" SAGE HEATED CAT MAT
$44.98 |
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|  | BARGAIN! 8 MONTHS FRONTLINE PLUS KIT CATS/KITTENS
$18.50 |
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 | 4 Omega Paw Self Cleaning Cat Kitty Litter Boxes Box
$99.99 |
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|  | Aria Jeweled Christmas Tree Cat Dog Collar Charm Multi
$4.99 |
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 | K&H Heated Ortho Thermo Dog Bed Year Round X-Large NEW
$66.77 |
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|  | Cat BLUE RHINESTONE Break away Safe COLLAR &Bell
$10.99 |
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 | MR.HERZHER'S CRAFTMAN SERIES CAT SEAT, SINGLE SERIES
$83.79 |
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|  | Cat WHITE RHINESTONE Break away Safe COLLAR &Bell
$10.99 |
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 | GENUINE BAYER ADVANTAGE® FLEA 6 DOSES CATS OVER 9 LBS
$27.95 |
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|  | K&H HEATED THERMO KITTY CAT SILL HEATED WINDOWSILL BED
$34.99 |
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 | "I LOVE CATS!" car round magnet QUALITY
$4.99 |
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|  | Littermaid Electric Cat Litter Box
$111.37 |
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 | Feliway Electric Diffuser Kit with Vial (10348)
$27.99 |
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|  | K&H THERMO KITTY CAT SILL HEATED WINDOWSILL BED
$44.49 |
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 | K & H Thermo Kitty Lounger-Sage Buysafe
$52.95 |
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|  | Cozy Couch Pet Bed by Pooch Planet for Dogs and Cats
$10.99 |
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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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 | Hartz Ultra Guard Flea & Tick Shampoo for Cats NEW
$5.99 |
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|  | SmartCat Bootsie's Bunkbed and Playroom
$28.95 |
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 | K&H THERMO-KITTY MAT 12.5" X 25" SAGE HEATED CAT MAT
$44.98 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS NEW IN BOX 6 MONTH SUPPLY USA
$62.99 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FOR CATS 0-9 LB 20 DOSE FLEAS AND TICK
$33.95 |
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|  | Green-UM XTRA for LARGER DOGS (1000 Tablets)
$79.99 |
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 | Cat Litter Odor Smell Removal Crystals - Halves Changes
$19.29 |
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|  | Save A Life,Adopt A Homeless Pet Magnet,for Cat Rescue
$5.00 |
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 | Pet Cat Dog Jingle Bell Holiday Christmas Stocking Grn
$9.99 |
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|  | Hand Painted Ceramic Cat Butler Treat/Cookie Jar...new
$18.00 |
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 | K & H Mocha Thermo-Crinkle Sack 15 x 12 x 10 Buysafe
$52.95 |
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|  | Coco Pearl Pet Necklace for Cat or Small Dog Pink
$9.99 |
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 | Advantage for Dogs 4 months 21-55lbs
$36.00 |
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|  | SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
$47.95 |
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 | Littermaid 12pc Waste Containers
$19.07 |
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|  | SALE!-- 8 MONTH FRONTLINE PLUS kit CATS/KITTENS- EPA!!
$18.50 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS KIT FOR DOGS AND CATS-USA/EPA!!
$35.50 |
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|  | Cat RED RHINESTONE Break away Safe COLLAR &Bell
$10.99 |
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 | K&H Kitty Sill Unheated Free Ship Buysafe
$39.95 |
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|  | Pet Tent Bed in Beige Corduroy
$48.00 |
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 | K&H THERMO KITTY CAT BED HEATED CAT BED CRINKLE TUNNEL
$38.49 |
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|  | K&H THERMO KITTY CAT BED HEATED CAT BED SAGE 16"x16"x6
$38.49 |
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