| 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 Fanciers Association Crinkle Sac Cat Toy
$11.85 |
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|  | Kelly Green Dog/Cat Collar with Pearl & Bell Small
$2.50 |
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 | BEST 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$18.00 |
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|  | Hagen CatIt Pet Water DRINKING FOUNTAIN for Cats & Dogs
$29.99 |
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 | (20) GOODLIFE TREATS FOR CATS PRODUCT COUPONS $1.00/1
$0.99 |
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|  | Learn How - Concrete Lettering, Staining, Curing, More
$12.95 |
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 | NIB PETSAFE Cat Pet Small Dog LOCKABLE Flap Door
$14.95 |
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|  | Catnip Honeysuckle and Valerian 8 Pack Sampler for Cats
$6.65 |
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 | Cat Genie Automatic Self Cleaning & Flushing Litter Box
$172.50 |
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|  | Kitty Hoots Catnip Catfisher Bobber Cat Toy Stands 10"
$7.75 |
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 | Littemaid Mega Self Cleaning Litterbox with xtra bins
$20.00 |
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|  | 48" Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F09
$0.99 |
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 | BIG SALE 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$18.00 |
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|  | 78" Cat Tree House Condo Scratcher Post Furniture F2029
$0.99 |
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 | DEAL 16 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$35.00 |
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|  | 17 Coupons $1/6 FANCY FEAST ELEGANT MEDLEYS CAT FOOD
$0.99 |
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 | BIG SAVINGS ADVANTAGE CAT 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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 | Cat Fanciers Association Porcupine Wiggler Cat Toy
$3.45 |
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|  | Kitty Hoots Scratch-N-Play Ramp Flower Catnip Toys
$10.25 |
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 | CLEARANCE ADVANTAGE CAT 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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|  | *CARPET Cat Tree Toy Bed House Scratcher Post Furniture
$0.99 |
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 | Red & Blue Talk to Me Treat Ball for Cats & Small Dogs
$8.90 |
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|  | SPECIAL 16 MONTH FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$35.00 |
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 | Kitty Hoots Flippy Little Cat Squares - Red
$2.60 |
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|  | Red Cat Dish Plastic EUC L@@K
$0.25 |
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 | Lot of 3 NEW! Feliway Comfort Zone Sprays 75 ml Farnam
$55.00 |
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|  | 65" Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F45
$0.99 |
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 | 74" Cat Tree House Condo Scratcher Post Furniture F2040
$0.99 |
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|  | **NEW***Leopard Pattern Pet Carrier (Dog or Cat)
$29.95 |
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 | Catnip Pillows
$2.00 |
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|  | Blue Cat Dish Plastic EUC L@@K
$0.25 |
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 | .136 PET SCRATCH TOWER w. PLATFORMS + HEMP ROPE POLES
$6.99 |
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|  | Kitty Hoots EEEKs! Catnip Limited Edition Love Mouse
$3.10 |
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 | BIG SALE 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$17.50 |
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|  | CATNIP SEEDS - CATS LOVE IT!!!!!!!! - FREE SHIPPING
$2.50 |
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 | BIG SAVINGS ADVANTAGE CAT 10 DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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|  | PETSAFE Cat WinDoor
$41.00 |
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 | Kitty Hoots Flippy Little Cat Squares with Catnip
$2.60 |
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|  | (18) PURINA FRISKIES BRAND DRY CAT FOOD COUPONS $1.50/2
$0.99 |
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 | BIG SAVINGS 16 MONTH SUPPLY FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$35.50 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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 | Chilly Kitty Chew Pair Cat Toys
$3.50 |
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|  | CLEARANCE ADVANTAGE CAT 10 DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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 | Cat Fanciers Association Furry Mouse & Rattle Cat Toy
$3.35 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE FLEA CONTROL CATS OVER 9 lbs 5 MONTH SUPPLY 6
$17.97 |
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 | Cheeky Josephine Cat Toy Cheeky Squeaky Pets Nylabone
$4.49 |
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|  | 74" Cat Tree House Condo Scratcher Post Furniture F2038
$0.99 |
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 | Cat Toy Fur Mice 6 pack / w Catnip pet toy Brand new
$0.01 |
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|  | DISCOUNTED 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$18.00 |
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 | 70" Cat Tree House Condo Scratcher Post Furniture F72-B
$0.99 |
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|  | HEATED INSULATED CEDAR CAT HOUSE SHELTER FREE DOOR INCL
$139.00 |
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 | FARNAM COMFORT ZONE REFILL WITH FELIWAY FOR CATS 48ML
$14.99 |
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|  | BIG SALE ADVANTAGE CAT 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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 | Play-N-Squeak Thrill of the Chase Cat Toy Mouse Sounds
$9.70 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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 | 45" Cat Tree House Toy Bed Scratcher Post Furniture F04
$0.99 |
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|  | Cat Toy TWO Kitty Animal W/Catnip/Pet toy,brand new
$0.89 |
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 | Kitty Hoots Orange Bird Catnip Crackler Cat Toy
$3.10 |
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|  | FRONTLINE PLUS CAT 12 MONTH US EPA APPROVED 3 6
$60.35 |
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 | CLEARANCE 16 MONTH SUPPLY FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$35.50 |
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|  | Loona Fish Cat Toy Cheeky Squeaky Pets Nylabone
$3.99 |
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 | ADVANTAGE FLEA CATS UNDER 9 lbs 10 MONTH SUPPLY 1 4 6 8
$17.97 |
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|  | **New** Heavy Duty Rustic Cast Iron Cat Hooks, set of 4
$2.95 |
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 | CAT BLANKET Pet Fleece (4' x 4') camel w/ beige trim
$4.89 |
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|  | 2 MEOW CAT KITTEN STICKERs DECALS SIGN-CAR WINDOW-NEW
$2.95 |
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 | FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS FELINES 3 MONTH NEW
$12.50 |
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|  | Whimsical Cat Motif Wall Mount Key Hook Holder -Brass-
$8.25 |
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 | LITTERMAID ELITE SELF CLEANING LITTER BOX
$49.99 |
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|  | PET ESSENTIALS- CAT NOOK CORNER CONDO- FOR KITTENS
$9.99 |
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 | Peterboro Basket Pet Treat Container: Special Edition
$35.00 |
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|  | .097 PET TENT CARRIER - RED - CAT ON CLOUD DESIGN NEW
$0.99 |
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 | Catnip Honeysuckle and Valerian 6 Pack Sampler for Cats
$5.00 |
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|  | GET A PRICE ADVANTAGE ON 12mos FLEA KILLER CATS OVER 9#
$29.95 |
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 | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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|  | (18) POUNCE CAT TREATS PRODUCT COUPONS $.75/1
$0.99 |
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 | RYE CAT GRASS SEEDS - FAST GROWING - FREE SHIPPING
$4.00 |
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|  | 70" Cat Tree House Condo Scratcher Post Furniture F72
$0.99 |
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 | Cat Tree House Condo Scratcher Post Furniture F18
$0.99 |
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|  | Small Purple FURminator Cat DeShedding Tool Brush Comb
$22.25 |
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 | Advantage f/ Cats 9 lbs & under (4-pack) NIB
$29.99 |
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|  | Thing in a Bag Motorized Cat Toy
$8.50 |
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 | CATNIP SEEDS - CATS LOVE IT!!!!!!!! - FREE SHIPPING
$2.50 |
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|  | BIG SAVINGS 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$17.50 |
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 | CAT CAVE & SCRATCHING POST NEW - COOOOL ITEM !!!!
$29.99 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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 | CLEARANCE 8 MONTH SUPPLY OF FRONTLINE PLUS FOR CATS
$17.50 |
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|  | FUN TUNNEL FOR CAT OR FERRETT PLAY! GREAT TOY!
$39.95 |
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 | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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|  | RYE CAT GRASS SEEDS - FAST GROWING - FREE SHIPPING
$4.00 |
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 | 73" Cat Tree Condo House Scratcher Pet Furniture bed-8C
$99.99 |
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|  | PetSafe PIG00-11007 Deluxe In Ground Cat Fence System
$199.95 |
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 | Go Cat Go! Play-N-Treat Balls Twin Pack Cat Toy
$2.75 |
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|  | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 10 MONTHS DOSES UP TO 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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 | ADVANTAGE CAT FLEA 5 MONTHS DOSES OVER 9 POUNDS
$17.50 |
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|  | .097 PET TENT CARRIER - RED - CAT ON CLOUD DESIGN NEW
$0.99 |
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 | HAMMOCAT CAT HAMMOCK! NICE CAT BED OR LOUNGE!
$39.95 |
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|  | DOG LEASH, COLLAR, TOWEL AND TOY PACK!
$49.95 |
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