| 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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 | NEW!! 'Cat-nip-tion' Catnip Pillow Cat Toy
$5.00 |
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|  | (5) $1 Purina Friskies Selects Indoors Cat Food Coupon
$0.99 |
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 | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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 | Multivet SSSCat Cat Control System Behavior Training
$29.99 |
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|  | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #A6601
$0.99 |
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 | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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|  | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #A6401
$0.99 |
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 | Zanies Glitz Holiday Mice 6 pack silver red green New
$3.19 |
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|  | Petmate Purrforma easy-tie waste bags, 24 bags total!!
$4.00 |
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 | .097 PET TENT CARRIER - RED - CAT ON CLOUD DESIGN NEW
$0.99 |
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|  | Mr. Herzher's Two Step Pet Animal Stairs Cherry Finish
$99.99 |
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 | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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|  | cat/dog waterer fountain petmate drinkwell platinum
$30.00 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS NEW IN BOX 3 MONTH SUPPLY USA
$36.99 |
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|  | Cat house scratching pole cat toys cat nail sharpener
$69.99 |
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 | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #B5301
$0.99 |
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|  | Pink Pet Carrier
$25.00 |
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 | 70" Cat Tree House Condo Scratcher Post Furniture F72-B
$0.99 |
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|  | Cat Safety Harness- For Traveling Cats- Cat Seat Belt
$5.99 |
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 | .135: Cat HOME: Double Tower Platforms w/ Cave Tunnel
$7.20 |
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|  | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #B2903
$0.99 |
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 | Cat house scratching pole cat toys cat nail sharpener
$69.99 |
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|  | Lot of 4 Laser Lazer Pointer Cat Dog Toy w/ 5 heads
$9.99 |
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 | WOW 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$19.00 |
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|  | Frontline Plus for dogs 89-132 LBS 6 Doses
$60.00 |
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 | Cuddler PET Puppy Print Dog Bed Fleece Top LARGE BLUE
$37.00 |
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|  | BNIB ROYAL MANSION CAT CLIMBING TOY @TAKE A LOOK@
$24.99 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FLEA CATS UNDER 9 lbs 10 MONTH SUPPLY 1 4 6 8
$18.99 |
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|  | Aria colorful GlamaCat Charm silvertone NIP
$3.79 |
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 | 50 Peacock Feathers - Cat Kitten Pet Store Shop Supply
$24.88 |
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|  | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #B6605
$0.99 |
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 | Plastic Dog Food Mat- Placemat For Dog's Food Bowl
$2.99 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS CAT 6 MONTHS FREE SHIPPING
$32.95 |
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 | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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|  | DRONTAL ALLWORMER FOR CATS 4 PACK FREE SHIP
$16.00 |
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 | Lot of 4 Laser Lazer Pointer Cat Dog Toy w/ 5 heads
$9.99 |
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|  | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #B6802
$0.99 |
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 | "HUGE" Cat Tree Toy House Scratcher Post Furniture FC04
$0.99 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$19.00 |
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 | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #A5201
$0.99 |
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|  | PURRfect DVD, Brand new cat video, for Cats
$4.27 |
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 | new comfort zone for cats
$29.99 |
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|  | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #A4301
$0.99 |
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 | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #B7701
$0.99 |
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|  | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #A7202
$0.99 |
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 | Cat Tunnel Toy-NWT (8902)
$15.00 |
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|  | ROYAL SPLENDOR DOG OR CAT PET BED BEDS DOG/CAT NEW
$39.99 |
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 | Black MicroFiber Purse Cat Dog Purple Paw Prints NWT
$14.95 |
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|  | BARGAIN 16 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$36.00 |
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 | Cat Dog Animal Pet Outside Tunnel Cage Pen Mesh House
$19.99 |
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|  | Drinkwell 100 oz Fountain 10 Filters H2O Garden Brushes
$57.73 |
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 | 94" Cat Tree Condo House Scratcher Pet Furniture bed-09
$109.99 |
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|  | 55" Cat Tree Condo House Scratcher Pet Furniture bed-05
$59.99 |
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 | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #A8001
$0.99 |
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|  | Drinkwell 100 oz Fountain 7 Filters Aqua Garden Brushes
$55.43 |
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 | PETMATE - DELUXE FRESH FLOW WATER FOUNTAIN! JUMBO!
$14.99 |
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|  | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #A6601
$0.99 |
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 | Drinkwell 100 oz Fountain 10 Filters H2O Garden Brushes
$57.73 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS CAT 12 MONTH FREE GIFTS
$60.35 |
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 | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #B7801
$0.99 |
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|  | Hand sewn Cat Carrier Pads (1105)
$8.00 |
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 | MUST^..^L@@K Cat Tree Condo Scratcher Pet Furniture
$0.99 |
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|  | PEEK-A-PRIZE TOY BOX FOR CATS
$9.49 |
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 | CHRISTMAS PINK CHEETAH LEOPARD BOLSTER DOG CAT BED 22"
$0.01 |
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|  | 2.06 a dose Frontline Plus Cats Kittens*^KIT*^=8 Doses
$16.50 |
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 | Advantage For Cats over 9 lbs-4 months flea control
$28.99 |
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|  | SPECIAL 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$19.00 |
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 | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #B7301
$0.99 |
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|  | PetzLife Gel Spray Clean Dog Teeth Free Ship Toothbrush
$39.95 |
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 | Cat Urn Pet Urns Custom made in likeness of your Kitty!
$49.99 |
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|  | Brown Jacquard "Fargo" Cat Dog Paw Print Purse NWT
$16.95 |
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 | 49" Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F41
$0.99 |
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|  | BNIB CAT JUNGLE GYM SPACE SAVING CORNER DESIGN @COOL@
$14.99 |
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 | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #B4001
$0.99 |
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|  | Large Pet Carrier for Dogs or Cats who like to Travel!
$14.99 |
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 | NEW LOT CAT KITTEN CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS BALLS TOYS MICE
$10.50 |
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|  | 2 packs of Greenies Pill Pockets for Cat chicken/salmon
$0.99 |
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 | 48" Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F43
$0.99 |
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|  | Lot of 4 Laser Lazer Pointer Cat Dog Toy w/ 5 heads
$9.99 |
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 | Travel Pet Carrier for Cat - Dog
$9.00 |
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|  | Petite Brown "Lucy" Dog Cat Paw Print Purse Handbag NWT
$12.95 |
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 | Frontline Plus for CATS 6 Doses
$47.00 |
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|  | LOT NATURAL RABBIT HIDE FOOT FEET KEYCHAINS CAT TOYS
$5.99 |
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 | BLUE BEAST® HiOutput AAA BATTERY RED BEAM LASER POINTER
$5.99 |
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|  | DRINKWELL PLATINUM CAT FOUNTAIN
$24.99 |
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 | DEAL 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$19.00 |
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|  | K&H Outdoor Heated Kitty Camper with Heated Pad
$55.99 |
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 | Large 20x24 Dog/Cat Paw Print Deep Pet Bed:Pet Supplies
$12.44 |
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|  | Feline Greenies 5 packs assorted flavors NIB
$0.99 |
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 | 64" Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F11
$0.99 |
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|  | Comfort Zone ~with D.A.P~ 2 REFILLS for defuser.~NIB~
$9.99 |
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 | Rustic Antiqued Cast Iron Cat Hooks, set of 6
$9.95 |
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|  | MUST^..^L@@K Cat Tree Condo Scratcher Pet Furniture
$0.99 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL KIT all sizes dogs cats stock UP
$17.95 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS FLEA & TICK med ~*~ CATS 8 dose supply
$17.95 |
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 | .194 - Deluxe Multi Level Cat Scratching Playset Tower
$24.99 |
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|  | Fling Ama String Cat Toy
$19.99 |
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 | Armarkat Cat Tree Pet Furniture Condo Scratcher #B6203
$0.99 |
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|  | 20" Cat Tree Condo House Scratcher Pet Furniture bed-12
$29.99 |
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