| 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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 | flea control small dogs 0-22 lbs 6 dose FRONTLINE PLUS
$24.50 |
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|  | KITTY CAT TOYS..Crocheted..5 Jingle Balls..2 Mice Set
$3.99 |
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 | Professional Dog & Cat Nail Clippers - retail for $18
$1.99 |
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|  | Cat Kitten Key Rack/ Leash Hanger 5 Hooks NEW Sm #02
$8.99 |
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 | FLEA & TICK med 8 dose supply FRONTLINE PLUS 4 CATS
$25.00 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FOR CAT 9 LBS & UNDER 4 PACK NEW IN BOX EPA
$29.99 |
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 | Comfort Zone Feliway Plug In Vial FOUR REFILLS New! Cat
$63.99 |
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|  | Thermo Kitty Fashion Splash Heated Cat Bed 17" Washable
$26.99 |
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 | SOFT THERMAL PET DOG CAT BED - NEW
$14.95 |
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|  | Lazy Mouse Laser(tm) Cat Toy with Key Chain NEW Lazer
$7.95 |
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 | 5 Head Laser Pointer KeyChain Cat Toy 4 Rescue Charity
$4.00 |
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|  | flea control small dogs 0-22 lbs 6 dose FRONTLINE PLUS
$24.50 |
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 | Catnip Toys Made By Sherri - Halloween - Lot of 6
$7.99 |
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|  | Hidden Cat Litter Box Washroom End Table Night Stand
$79.99 |
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 | ProSelect Stainless Steel Gripper MEOW Cat Bowl Dish
$8.99 |
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|  | Cat Litterbox Cover & Nightstand Pet Dog Bed
$79.99 |
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 | GET A PRICE ADVANTAGE ON 12mos FLEA KILLER CATS OVER 9#
$29.95 |
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|  | CAMOUFLAGE PET BED CAT DOG KITTEN PUPPY BRAND NEW
$26.99 |
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 | SmartCat Tick-Tock-Teaser - Interactive Cat Toy
$16.95 |
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|  | CitiKitty Cat Toilet Training Kit potty train yur kitty
$38.70 |
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 | NEW Tunnel of Fun Hideaway Cats Toys Playful Sleep Cat
$17.99 |
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|  | NEW SmartScoop Automatic Cat Litter Box Self Clean
$89.99 |
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 | Sherpa PINK Cat Tote Carrier For pets up to 8 pounds
$62.95 |
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|  | Bubbling Cauldron Catnip Toys-100% Organic-lot of 4
$4.99 |
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 | Comfort Zone SPRAY with Feliway 75 ml ONE BOTTLE Cat
$20.99 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS CAT 12 MONTH FREE GIFTS
$60.35 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FOR CAT OVER 9 LBS 6 PACK NEW IN BOX EPA NIB
$47.99 |
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|  | Catnip Toys Made By Sherri - Pumpkins - Lot of 2
$2.99 |
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 | ProSelect Stainless Steel Gripper Dog Bowl Dish 24oz
$6.99 |
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|  | flea control small dogs 0-22 lbs 6 dose FRONTLINE PLUS
$24.50 |
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 | 30 lot RAINBOW CATNIP FURRY MICE cat toy fur toys bulk
$7.99 |
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|  | K&H Heated Cat Kitten Pet Bed Thermo Kitty Hut SAGE
$35.99 |
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 | Catnip Cat Blanket-Blue Golf Design - (SALE ITEM)
$10.00 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL KIT DOGS 10-20 lbs 4 dose~*~*~
$24.95 |
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 | Outdoor Heated Kitty Pad Waterproof Cat Mat w/ Cover
$44.99 |
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|  | CAT Collar - Ribbon Overlay - 7"-12" - Green/Pink (UE)
$14.95 |
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 | Zanies Sisal Sleeper-CAT TOYS-TOY-PET
$14.25 |
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|  | ProSelect Stainless Steel Gripper Dog Bowl Dish 16oz
$4.99 |
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 | DRINKWELL ORIGINAL PET FOUNTAIN WATER DISH SPECIAL
$59.98 |
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|  | 4 doses ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL KIT DOGS 10-20 lbs
$17.95 |
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 | Drinkwell Brand Pet Fountain THREE Brush Cleaning Kit
$13.95 |
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|  | CAT SOCKS - Orange Tabby - Blue ------ NEW!!!!
$7.59 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS flea med small dogs 0-22 lbs 12 doses
$35.00 |
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|  | SET OF 4 AROMA THERAKITTY SCENTED CAT TOYS - NEW
$7.00 |
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 | Thermo Kitty Cuddle Up Soft Heated Cat Bed MOCHA SAGE
$34.99 |
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|  | Petmate Large Hooded Litter Box black / gray NEW 2DAY!
$14.88 |
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 | Drinkwell Brand Pet Fountain Filters-6 Month Supply
$4.50 |
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|  | WIGGLE WAND-CAT TOY-TOYS-PET-POLES
$2.25 |
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 | Thermo Kitty Lounger Heated Cat Bed 20" Mocha Sage
$44.99 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FOR CAT OVER 9 LBS 4 PACK NEW IN BOX EPA NIB
$34.99 |
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 | Medium cat clothing Soft Pink Fuzzy Pet Kitten Sweater
$9.99 |
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|  | Raised Pottery Cat Dog Food Dish Water Bowl CD5-S Blue
$27.00 |
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 | White Leather Snowflake Cat Collar,with Bell,New
$9.99 |
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|  | Drinkwell Brand Pet Fountain Filters-12 Pack Free Ship!
$21.95 |
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 | NEW Petmate Purrforma Plus XL Self Cleaning Litter Box
$129.99 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS flea tick control dog 23-44 lbs 3 dose
$24.50 |
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 | SmartCat Bootie's Combination Scratcher-Scratching Post
$19.95 |
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|  | CAT SOCKS - Silver Tabby - Periwinkle ------ NEW!!!!
$7.59 |
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 | FLINT RIVER RANCH CAT TREATS BONITA FISH FLAKES (2) NEW
$12.98 |
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|  | BRAND NEW DRINKWELL PET FOUNTAIN FOR CATS & DOGS!!!!!!!
$33.14 |
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 | K&H Lectro-Soft Outdoor Cat Bed with Cover
$47.25 |
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|  | CAT SOCKS - Persian Cats - Blue ------ NEW!!!!
$7.59 |
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 | CAT SOCKS - Siamese Cats - Blue NEW!!! Free Ship Offer
$7.59 |
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|  | NEW Good Pet Stuff Hidden PLANT Cat Litter Box 2DAYSHiP
$93.98 |
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 | Omega Paw RA15 SelfCleaning cat Litter Box NEW FASTship
$42.90 |
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|  | REGULAR Omega Paw Self Cleaning Cat Kitty Litter Boxes
$26.95 |
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 | SPIDERS AND WEBS Cat Collar Collars
$5.99 |
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|  | Outdoor Heated Kitty Pad Fleece Cover Replacement
$9.99 |
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 | Small cat clothing Soft Pink Fuzzy Cats Kitten Sweater
$8.99 |
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|  | flea control small dogs 0-22 lbs 6 dose FRONTLINE PLUS
$24.50 |
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 | Littermaid Universal Kitty Kabana (Tent) - Brand New
$21.50 |
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|  | 10 Mylar Balls - MYLAR + BALLS + CAT + TOYS
$6.14 |
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 | Littermaid LM500 Automatic Litter Box - Brand New
$74.95 |
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|  | NEW* Petsafe Cat Flap - Pet door Cat door *2DAY FAST!!
$10.99 |
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 | NB Portable UV Blacklight Black Light Urine Detector
$10.99 |
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|  | Raised Pottery Cat Food Dish Water Bowl CD5-S Pink
$27.00 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FOR CAT 9 LBS & UNDER 6 PACK NEW IN BOX EPA
$39.99 |
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|  | New Meow Town Tree Top Hop - Cat Scratcher & Climber
$29.99 |
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 | Designer Personalized Cat collar GIFT SIAMESE CHARM PET
$14.00 |
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|  | DOG CAT DOOR Opening Screen Puppy Kitten Pet Supplies
$15.98 |
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 | K&H Outdoor Heated Cat/Kitty Pad with Cover
$52.99 |
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|  | Thermo Kitty Hut Heated Cat Bed w/ Hood Mocha Sage
$36.99 |
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 | Ireland Shamrock Lucky Pet Dog Cat ID Tag St. Patrick
$3.29 |
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|  | Kitty starter kit 2 bowls, 12 linners, toy, window lock
$12.00 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS flea med small dogs 0-22 lbs 12 doses
$35.00 |
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|  | SmartCat Kitty Ultimate Litter Box
$10.95 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL KIT DOGS 10-20 lbs 4 dose~*~*~
$24.95 |
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|  | CAT SOCKS - Silver Tabby - Blue NEW!!! Free Ship Offer
$7.59 |
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 | Halloween Hotdog Catnip Toys-100% Organic-lot of 6
$5.99 |
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|  | Hidden Cat Litter Box Washroom End Table Night Stand
$89.99 |
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 | Raised Cat Food Dish Water Bowl CD5-S Honey Brown
$27.00 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS flea med small dogs 0-22 lbs 12 doses
$35.00 |
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 | Alpo Beggin Strips Scotch Fur Fighter Hair Remover Kit
$3.00 |
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|  | Kittywalk Deck & Patio Pet Cat Enclosure System + Cover
$44.95 |
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 | 4 doses ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL KIT DOGS 10-20 lbs
$17.95 |
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|  | CAT SOCKS - White Cats ------ NEW!!!!
$7.59 |
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 | 60 Real Furry Mice BY ZANIES Cat TOY-Toys-PET-BULK LOT
$18.00 |
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|  | PVC Pet Bed White Hammock Cat Dog Ferret Gift
$15.50 |
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 | K&H Thermo-Kitty Fashion Splash Heated Cat Bed NEW
$29.94 |
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