Expert: Tomay - 2/4/2006

Question
Hi--

   Our three-year old, male cat, Zack, was hospitaized with a full bladder caused by crystals.
   For the rest of his life, Zack must eat a prescription cat food. He wouldn't eat the first brand, but will, unhappily, eat the second if it's mixed with a bit of his old food.
   However, this question concerns his "treats."
   The vet said the treats, "Whisker Licken's Crab Cake Flavor" probably wouldn't do any harm, but, "just to be safe don't give them to him anymore."
   Easy for the vet to say. The treats are the best thing in Zack's life. It's not only the crunching that he likes, but the running and jumping required to get them when we throw them. (Save for a very occasional bout with a cat dancer, nothing else gets Zack to move fast.)
   If the treats are harmful, we won't give them to Zack anymore. But the vet's ambivalence over the e treat's harmfulness makes us reluctant to withdraw Zack's favorite thing.
   What do you think?
   Also: if it is the chemicals in the treat that might cause crystals,what about treats that are simply freeze-dried meat, fish, or sweet potato? These have no artificial ingredients and, if it's the artificial ingredients that cause crystals, these may be a good substitute for Whisker Lickens.
   Many thanks for your thoughts.

Steve  

Answer
Hi,
This is more of a question for someone who specializes in nutrition and health, but I can throw in my two cents about diet.  Cats are carnivores..plain and simple..so the treats of dried fish, meat, etc. can only be a good thing.  If I were you, I would get another opinion on his condition being best treated with the prescription diets from the vet.  There are ALOT of alternate diets that are just as, if not more, healthy than what he is currently on. Check around. A more natural approach to Zack's diet and treats may be better for him.  I'm just as confused about your vet's recommendation as you are, in that if his favorite treat probably won't harm him, but just to be safe, don't give them to him...???  Thus, the second opinion.
Good luck with this, and hope Zack is happy and healthy!
Thank you for your inquiry,
Tomay