| 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 FLEA CONTROL CATS OVER 9 lbs 5 MONTH SUPPLY 6
$17.97 |
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|  | Cat Kitten Training DVD video Litter box bad habits
$4.99 |
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 | Automatic Ergo Pet Feeder Fountain Waterer COMBO Small
$170.98 |
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|  | "Meowy Christmas" Cat T Shirt Apparel Clothes ~ M / L
$7.99 |
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 | PURR PET CAT ACTIVITY MAT FOR CATS & ferret -PET
$25.99 |
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|  | 5 MONTH SUPPLY OF ADVANTAGE FOR CATS OVER 9 LBS KIT EPA
$17.95 |
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 | Lean Treats for Cats, 3.5 oz bag (10 pack)
$17.89 |
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|  | B1G1 WHOLESOME GOODNESS CAT FOOD SINGLE CUP (10)COUPONS
$1.40 |
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 | Savvy Tabby Kitty Observatory Perch Cat Play Furniture
$104.99 |
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|  | Anti Icky Poo STARTER KIT PLUS Enzyme Odor/Urine remove
$49.95 |
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 | BUDDY G'S MESH COLLAR AUSTRIAN CRYSTAL BOW (3 COLORS)
$18.95 |
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|  | Cat teasers FEATHER BOW CAT TOY HOT PINK WITH BLACK !!
$5.95 |
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 | Lean Treats for Cats, 3.5 oz bag (15001)
$2.29 |
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|  | Bounce Me Bird Cat Toy IN BLUE
$2.25 |
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 | KITTENS 16 Months 2009 Wall Calender ( Sept08 -Dec09)
$7.99 |
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|  | Cat Condo Three Level with Sisal Scratching Post (New)
$34.99 |
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 | TWO Catnip Sack Toys -GREAT CAT TOY FOR PET TOYS
$2.25 |
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|  | Savvy Tabby Swiss Estates Perch Cat Play Furniture
$219.99 |
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 | Wholesale 4 laser pointer 5 head lazer NEW C Low S+H
$3.57 |
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|  | Pet Carrier Leopard Pattern
$23.70 |
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 | Bounce Me Bird Cat Toy TOYS SET OF 3
$5.95 |
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|  | Black Metal Cat Dish Holder with Dangles
$11.99 |
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 | NEW TIDY CAT BREEZE LITTER BOX SYSTEM ODOR CONTROL MEOW
$57.95 |
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|  | WORLD OF CATS The Indoor Cat 55min DVD Training NEW
$5.99 |
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 | Pet Tent Bed in Beige Corduroy
$48.00 |
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|  | 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS KIT EPA USA
$17.95 |
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 | 10 MONTH SUPPLY OF ADVANTAGE FOR CATS 9LBS KIT EPA
$17.95 |
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|  | BRAND NEW TIDY CATS BREEZE LITTER SYSTEM+1 MONTH SUPPLY
$39.95 |
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 | Shelter Cat Tee Shirt size 2X 3X Cotton~ SALE
$14.00 |
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|  | New Deluxe Beige 52" Cat Tree Condo Scratcher 5067
$59.88 |
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 | Flint River Ranch Cat Kitten Food 50 samples Lamb Chick
$34.50 |
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|  | LARGE Omega Paw Self Cleaning Cat Kitty Litter Box NIB
$34.95 |
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 | Savvy Tabby Tunnel Tower Perch Cat Play Furniture
$249.99 |
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|  | Savvy Tabby Kitty Teepee Perch Cat Play Furniture
$134.99 |
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 | Omega Paw Self Cleaning Kitty Cat Litter Box - Regular
$23.95 |
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| (10) 2.00 Coupons on (1) SCOTCH FUR FIGHTER KIT 12/31
$1.99 |
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 | Santa Cat Christmas Stocking - Embroidered
$17.50 |
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|  | Shelter Cat Tee Shirt size XL Cotton~ SALE !
$12.00 |
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 | CATGENIE REPLACEMENT WASHABLE CAT LITTER BOX GRANULES
$24.99 |
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|  | Mouse House Pet Assembly
$132.95 |
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 | K & H Sage Kitty Bed Thermo-Crinkle Sack 15 x 12 x 10
$52.95 |
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|  | Miracle Coat QuickFinder Safety Nail Sensor Clipper Cat
$11.49 |
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 | SELF CLEANING LITTER BOX AUTOMATIC LITTERBOX
$79.99 |
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|  | BUDDY G'S MESH COLLAR AUSTRIAN CRYSTAL BOW (3 COLORS)
$18.95 |
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 | SmartCat Kitty Cat Corner Litter Box - Gray
$11.95 |
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|  | Pet Peace Symbol Dog/Cat Collar Charm - New!
$3.50 |
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 | Bounce Me Bird Cat ToyS TOY SET OF 3
$5.95 |
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|  | Zanies Cat Toys 60 Furry Mice Kitten Toy Lot Real Fur
$15.99 |
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 | 60 RABBIT FUR Catnip Furry REALISTIC Mice Cat Toys
$14.99 |
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|  | Invisible Indoor Cat Fences
$36.88 |
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 | Bounce Me Bird Cat Toy IN BLACK
$2.25 |
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|  | K&H Kitty Sill Unheated Free Ship Buysafe
$39.95 |
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 | Single Round Pet Feeder Cat Dog Food Bowl Plastic Dish
$13.93 |
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|  | K & H Mocha Thermo-Crinkle Sack 15 x 12 x 10 Buysafe
$52.95 |
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 | Cat Lovers Magnet Set - 5 Large Magnets w/ Messages
$8.99 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL CATS OVER 9 lbs 5 MONTH SUPPLY 6
$17.49 |
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 | Red light lazer keychain laser pointer 5 head C NEW
$1.00 |
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|  | 3 Petmate Fresh Flow Replacement Filters NEW fast ship
$11.99 |
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 | K & H Thermo Kitty Lounger-Mocha Buysafe
$52.95 |
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|  | 8 DOSE! for Cats FRONTLINE PLUS® FLEA/TICK us/epa SAVE$
$24.99 |
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 | AUTOMATIC PET FEEDER Auto Autopet Digital Cat Dog SMALL
$118.99 |
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|  | LOT 9 High Quality FUN Hartz Kitten Cat Toys MUST SEE!
$18.99 |
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 | K & H Thermo Kitty Lounger-Sage Buysafe
$52.95 |
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|  | Kitty Cat Spa Gift Pack for your Favorite Feline!
$7.98 |
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 | Savvy Tabby Leopard Convertible Activity Cat Furniture
$174.99 |
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|  | Ergo Systems Pet Water Fountain Cat Dog Waterer SMALL
$78.99 |
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 | SmartCat Kitty Ultimate Litter Box
$10.95 |
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|  | NEW LitterMaid Cat Litter Box Kitty Kabana Privacy Tent
$28.99 |
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 | New Deluxe 42" Cat Tree Condo Furniture, BP-5022
$64.99 |
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|  | Bounce Me Bird Cat Toy IN YELLOW
$2.25 |
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 | 6 Zanies Silly Squid Cat Toys Furry Squids - No Catnip
$4.99 |
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|  | Bounce Me Bird Cat Toy IN RED
$2.25 |
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 | Hip CAT COLLAR Lavender Floral Flowers SAFETY 7-11"
$5.95 |
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|  | 10 MONTH ADVANTAGE FOR CATS KITTEN flea KIT to 9 lbs 6
$18.97 |
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 | Pet Studio Cat Litter Box Cabinet Mahogany 28Wx19Dx24H
$179.99 |
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|  | Cat Flea&Tick FRONTLINE PLUS 16dose/48mon SAVE$100s USA
$44.99 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FLEA CATS UNDER 9 lbs 20 MONTH SUPPLY 1 4 6 8
$34.95 |
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|  | BUDDY G'S MESH COLLAR AUSTRIAN CRYSTAL BOW (3 COLORS)
$18.95 |
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 | Savvy Tabby Roundabout High-Rise Cat Play Furniture
$134.99 |
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|  | 10 month! ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL kit for CATS -NO FLEAS
$24.99 |
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 | 60 Catnip furry mice RAINBOW Mouse Cat Toys Kitten LOT
$14.99 |
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|  | Deluxe Cat Tower with 3 Extra Tall Sisal Posts
$69.99 |
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 | Bounce Me Bird Cat ToyS TOY SET OF 5
$7.95 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CATS UNDER 9 lbs 10 MONTH SUPPLY 1 4 6 8
$17.97 |
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 | **HAND PAINTED LEAD FREE CAT BOWL. KUNG FU KITTY**
$10.50 |
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|  | Automatic Digital Outdoor PET + POND FEEDER Small 5 lbs
$170.99 |
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 | Create Your own Frontline Plus "KITS" ALL Cats & Dogs
$49.95 |
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|  | WORLD OF CATS Breaking Bad Habits 55min DVD Training NW
$5.99 |
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 | Super Deal Kitten Cat Frontline Plus 8mth^KIT^EPA
$17.25 |
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|  | Bounce Me Bird Cat Toy IN ORANGE
$2.25 |
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 | BOX OF 12 LITTERMAID LITTER RECEPTACLES
$11.99 |
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|  | BLACK- Cat/Ferret- Wooden Window Seat FREE SHIPPING!!
$105.00 |
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 | Cat teasers FEATHER BOW CAT TOY PURPLE !!
$7.95 |
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|  | 20month! Cat FLEA KILLER Advantage®USA/EPA no exp SAVE$
$44.99 |
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 | Christmas Stocking, SANTA'S FAVORITE CAT. CUTE!
$4.50 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CATS UNDER 9 lbs 10 MONTH SUPPLY 1 4 6 8
$17.49 |
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 | K&H Mfg Thermo Kitty Sill Heated Cat Bed Window Perch
$44.95 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FOR CATS OVER 9 lbs 10 MONTH SUPPLY 4 6 8 12
$34.95 |
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