Expert: Becky - 11/16/2004

Question
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF GIVING A CAT DISTILLED WATER TO HELP PREVENT URINARY PROBLEMS. SEEMS LIKE SOMEONE TOLD ME THIS YEARS AGO..i HAVE JUST GOTTEN A MALE KITTTEN MAYBE 2-3 MONTHS OLD AND HE HAS THOUGHT MY ARM AND HAND AS A TOY AND LIKES TO NIBBLE..WHAT IS A GOOD WAY TO GET HIM TO STOP. I HAVE GOTTEN A SPRAY BOTTLE AND IT SEEMS TO HELP JUST UNHANDY ALL THE TIME.
ALSO WHAT THE HECK IS THE DIFFERENENCE IN CAT FOOD. I BELIEVE SCIENCE DIET IS GOOD FOR THE LITTER BOX BUT ITS PRICEY. WHAT ABOUT IMANS AND PROTEIN ONE..MUCH DIFFERENCE?
THANKS


Answer
HI Starlette,

I have never heard of giving distilled water to prevent urinary tract infections.  Males are prone to this though, so if you ever see him straining in the litter box, and going back there often, take him to a vet asap.  It could be fatal if he gets blocked up.  

Biting on your hands and arms is really quiet normal.  If you watch wild cats play, they will bite at each other.  It's a natural instinct, however, I know those sharp teeth hurt!  Try tapping him firmly on the nose and say NO!  The water bottle IS a great idea, but as you said, not always handy.  The good thing is, he will get over that as he grows.

There are so many different kinds of cat food out there, the best thing you can do is read the labels.  Whatever product the food has the most of, it will be listed first.  If Corn is listed first , then you can safely assume it's not very good and full of fillers.  Science Diet and Iams are both very good cat foods.  It may cost a little more, but in the long run, your cat's healh will benefit.

God Bless,
Becky