Compact Aqua Blox Replaces the Canteen

Aqua Blox, purified drinking water in boxes, similar to fruit juice in cartons, will come in handy--for earthquake preparedness, camping and hiking, RVs and boats, bicycling, or even school lunches.

New from St. Thomas Beverage in Downey, the 8.45-ounce containers do not need refrigeration and have a five-year shelf life. They have an extra liner in the corrosion-resistant box, which, the manufacturer says, keeps the water tasting fresh for long periods. Each carton comes with a straw.

Recommended by the California State Fireman’s Assn., Aqua Blox also can be frozen for use as first-aid cold packs, lasting for hours. Cartons come three to a sealed package and cost about $1 per pack.

Aqua Blox are available in all Vons and Vons Pavilion markets, Thrifty Drugs and Sportmarts and Vicente Foods in West Los Angeles. If you can’t find them in your area, contact Aqua Blox, St. Thomas Beverage Inc., 12124 Woodruff Ave., Downey, Calif. 90241; (213) 803-6277.

Feline Furniture

Care Stairs for cats are a good way to prevent injuries to older felines with back problems. They permit cats easy access to windowsills or can be set up next to a bed or a couch.

The six stairsteps are circular and measure 18 1/2 inches high and 18 inches wide. They’re already assembled and made of unfinished white pine. To order, for $59, including postage and handling, contact Fine Feline Furniture, 4828 W. Mountain View Drive, No. 7, San Diego, Calif. 92116; (619) 282-8260.

Sweeter Idea for Sugarless Breath Mints

The Inteligis Group, a “lifestyle-enchancement products” company in Danville, Calif., has introduced IntiMint, a breath mint that keeps breath fresh for about two hours, releasing mint extract into your mouth as it dissolves.

The mints are made of natural ingredients and contain no sugar.

Inteligis Group representatives say a bottle of 200 tablets--costing $30--provides 400 hours of breath protection. To order IntiMints, call (800) 695-MINT. Shipping and handling costs $4.95 more.