| 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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 | CAT GRASS SEEDS - A MIX CATS LOVE - FREE SHIPPING
$3.00 |
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|  | WERUVA ASIAN FUSION CAT FOOD 3OZ CASE (24) HUMAN GRADE
$27.50 |
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 | 6 PK Replacement Water Filters Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
$10.99 |
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|  | WERUVA GREEN EGGS AND CHICKEN CAT FOOD 3OZ CASE (24)
$27.50 |
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 | WERUVA GRANDMAS CHICKEN SOUP CAT FOOD 3OZ CASE (24)
$27.50 |
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|  | SNOWFLAKES / BABY BLUE ~ Breakaway SAFETY CAT Collar
$0.99 |
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 | Staywell 31 Battery Powered Cat Flap New
$0.99 |
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|  | Large CAT PET Groomers Bag Nail Claw Grooming Bathing
$15.99 |
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 | ORIJEN CAT KITTEN TO ADULT HIGH PROTEIN NO GRAIN 5.5LBS
$20.00 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CATS UNDER 9 lbs 10 MONTH SUPPLY 1 4 6 8
$17.97 |
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 | MEDIUM BLUE CAT Feline 9-13lb Soft Claws Nail Caps cats
$17.98 |
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|  | Outward Hound Pet-a-Roo Front Carrier - Medium
$28.95 |
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 | Cat Toy 2Holiday Shiny Balls W/Catnip/Pet toy,brand new
$0.89 |
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|  | Mini Teaser Cat Wand
$2.31 |
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 | 3 PIECE CAT FEEDING DISHES FEEDERS SCOOPER PET SUPPLIES
$2.50 |
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|  | K&H THERMO KITTY CABIN HEATED CAT KITTEN BED
$49.94 |
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 | CAT SCRATCH & PLAY CUBE new KITTEN mouse TOY
$4.99 |
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|  | Cat Napper Window Seat Perch Hammock Bed No Hardware!
$32.99 |
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 | Fleece CRINKLE CRACKLE HIDEY HOLE BAG Bed Toy Cats Pup
$15.00 |
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|  | Cat Napper Window Seat Perch Hammock Bed No Hardware!
$29.99 |
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 | LOT OF 4 PET SHIRTS, SIZE LARGE, DOG'S OR CAT'S *NIP*
$10.99 |
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|  | QUALITY CAT HAMMOCK STURDY METAL CONSTRUCTION TOY
$12.00 |
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 | WEAZEL BALL TOY FOR DOGS CATS & WEASEL
$8.95 |
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|  | Rhinestone Cat Dog Collar Necklace 7-10" Blk/Wht Bell
$7.50 |
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 | Cat Scratching Post 17.5 "/pet toy furniture condo tree
$9.99 |
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|  | Plush Cat Hideaway and Play Tunnel--FUN, COZY, SNUGGLY
$29.99 |
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 | CUTE MICE / CREAM ~ Breakaway SAFETY CAT Collar
$0.99 |
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|  | Green Dog/Cat/Puppy Collar with Diamonds & Bell Small
$5.00 |
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 | PetSafe Cat Veranda with Lockable Entry Flap NEW
$99.99 |
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|  | MEDIUM PURPLE CAT Feline 9-13lb Soft Claws Nail Caps
$17.98 |
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 | Flashing Cat Ball
$2.21 |
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|  | Black "Nikko" Dog Cat Pet Paw Print Purse Handbag NWT
$16.95 |
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 | WERUVA PAW LICKIN CHICKEN CAT FOOD 3OZ CASE (24) HUMAN
$27.50 |
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|  | WERUVA STEAK FRITES CAT FOOD 3OZ CASE (24) HUMAN GRADE
$27.50 |
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 | WERUVA MARBELLA PAELLA CAT FOOD 3OZ CASE (24) NO PATE
$27.50 |
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|  | WERUVA FUNKY CHUNKY CAT FOOD 3OZ CASE (24) HUMAN GRADE
$27.50 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL CATS OVER 9 lbs 5 MONTH SUPPLY 6
$17.97 |
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|  | Cat Toy 6 Bright Colorful Rattle Mice Catnip Brand New
$0.99 |
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 | save the cats
$10.00 |
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|  | 12 PK Replacement Water Filters Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
$19.99 |
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 | Burlap Mouse w/ Catnip - 3 Pack
$2.52 |
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|  | Lattice Plastic Balls With Bells 4 Pack
$1.79 |
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 | Cat Toy Fur Mice 6 pack / w Catnip pet toy Brand new
$0.01 |
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|  | MEDIUM BLACK CAT Feline 9-13lb Soft Claws Nail Caps pet
$17.98 |
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 | WERUVA MEOW LUAU ALOE CAT FOOD 3OZ CASE (24) HOLISTIC
$27.50 |
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|  | Olive Dog/Cat/Puppy Collar with Pearl & Bell Small
$5.50 |
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 | Red Patent Dog/Cat leather Collar with color dot Bell S
$6.75 |
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|  | New Farnam Bio Spot Cat Flea Tick Control 1 Year Supply
$9.99 |
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 | WERUVA ON THE CAT WOK CAT FOOD 3OZ CASE (24) HOLISTIC
$27.50 |
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|  | Fold-A-Bowl Disposable Pet Dish (2)
$2.99 |
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 | 6 DIMEND HOME GROWN CATNIP bags-portrait kitty cat toys
$5.99 |
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|  | NEW Animal Print Leopard Kitty Nest Cat Bed + Cover
$19.99 |
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 | WERUVA MACK AND JACK CAT FOOD 3OZ CASE (24) HUMAN GRADE
$27.50 |
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|  | Atomic Bouncing Ball 2 Pack
$2.31 |
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 | Orange Cat Kitten Christmas Stocking Ornament Gift
$1.99 |
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|  | NEW LITTERSWEEP ULTRA AUTOMATIC CAT KITTEN LITTER BOX !
$69.00 |
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 | Teaser Fleece Wand With Acrylic Rod Cat Toy
$2.21 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FOR CATS OVER 9 lbs 10 MONTH SUPPLY 4 6 8 12
$34.95 |
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 | NEW Advanced Large Capacity Cat Feline Drinking Fountai
$19.93 |
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|  | FELINE PINE Self Cleaning Cat Kitten Litter Box NEW
$9.95 |
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 | WEAZEL BALL TOY FOR DOGS CATS & WEASEL
$8.95 |
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|  | SMARTSCOOP AUTOMATIC CAT LITTER BOX SELF CLEANING NIB
$109.95 |
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 | NEPETA CATARIA SEEDS - A CATS FAVORITE - FREE SHIPPING
$2.50 |
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|  | Holiday Zanies Cat Toys Value 6 Pack
$2.99 |
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 | WERUVA POLYNESIAN BBQ CAT FOOD 3OZ CASE (24) HOLISTIC
$27.50 |
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|  | Feliway Comfort Zone Diffuser and 48 ml Refills (4)
$9.99 |
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 | WERUVA MEDITERRANEAN HARVEST CAT FOOD 3OZ CASE (24)
$27.50 |
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|  | Pet Plaques (Customized To Your Breed Or Pet)
$5.99 |
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 | ORTO CAT Self Serve CAT Pet Feeder Food Bowl NEW in Box
$2.99 |
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|  | Ssscat Animal Control
$4.99 |
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 | WERUVA OUTBACK GRILL CAT FOOD 3OZ CASE (24) HUMAN GRADE
$27.50 |
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|  | Mylar Balls 4 Pack
$2.10 |
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 | 13 cans (IVD) Veterinary Exclusive Royal Canin Catfood
$0.99 |
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|  | CAT GRASS SEEDS - A MIX CATS LOVE - FREE SHIPPING
$3.00 |
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 | FRONTLINE TOP SPOT flea med small dogs 0-22 lbs 12 mon
$37.00 |
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|  | Multipet Bada Beam Hand Free Laser Interactive Cat Toy
$5.00 |
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 | CATS FRONTLINE PLUS 8 dose FLEA & TICK med ~*~ sale
$23.84 |
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|  | MEDIUM NATURAL CAT Feline 9-13lb Soft Claws Nail Caps
$17.98 |
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 | WERUVA PEKING DUCKEN CAT FOOD 3OZ CASE (24) HUMAN GRADE
$27.50 |
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|  | Original CatMouse LitterBox Odor Eliminator-Closeout
$19.95 |
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 | WERUVA NINE LIVER CAT FOOD 3OZ CASE (24) HUMAN ORGANIC
$27.50 |
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|  | Pounce Tartar Treat Salmon 2.1oz
$0.99 |
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 | Outward Hound Pet-a-Roo Front Carrier - Medium
$28.95 |
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|  | MEDIUM PINK CAT Feline 9-13lb Soft Claws Nail Caps cats
$17.98 |
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 | Petmate Large Hooded Litter Box PINK 2 Day SHip NEW!
$14.62 |
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|  | Performa Automatic Kitty Litter Box
$78.99 |
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 | Cat Scratching Tower Playset
$25.00 |
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|  | Petmate Hooded Litter Pan + scooper
$9.99 |
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 | Cat Toy 1 Shiny Rattle Mice w Feather Tail/Catnip New
$0.79 |
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|  | ~NWT~Creature Comforts Cozy Pet Bed & *FREE* Gift Too
$9.99 |
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 | MEDIUM RED CAT Feline 9-13lb Soft Claws Nail Caps cats
$17.98 |
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|  | Holiday Stocking-for your cat- "Good Kitty" NWT
$5.95 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FLEA CATS UNDER 9 lbs 20 MONTH SUPPLY 1 4 6 8
$34.95 |
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|  | Purple Dog/Cat Puppy Collar with Crystal & Bell Small
$5.00 |
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 | Yellow Dog/Cat/Puppy Collar with Diamonds & Bell Small
$5.00 |
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|  | NEPETA CATARIA SEEDS - A CATS FAVORITE - FREE SHIPPING
$2.50 |
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 | NEW! Petmate Deluxe Fresh Flow 50-ounce Pet Fountain
$12.99 |
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|  | WERUVA MIDEAST FEAST CAT FOOD 3OZ CASE (24) HUMAN GRADE
$27.50 |
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 | Midwest BayIsle Hide-A-Way Litter-Box Cover NEW NIB
$43.97 |
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