Diatomaceous Earth For Cats: Uses, Remedies, Treatment Applications and Is It Safe for Cats?
The use of Diatomaceous Earth has been around for quite some time. It’s a natural form of food for cats.
What is diatomaceous earth? If you have cats, you’ve probably wondered if diatomaceous earth is something that you could use on them. Well, the good news is that you can.
In this article, we’re going to look at what diatomaceous earth is, its uses, and how to apply it to your cat. We’re also going to look at a few remedies you can try to get the best results out of diatomaceous earth.
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a powder that is naturally occurring and plant-based. It arises from the remnants of diatoms – or teensy algae-like aquatic creatures – that have gotten petrified. Hence, the name of this earth.
The skeleton of the diatom is silica; when diatoms that have aggregated in the silt of a body of water are exposed to oxygen, they form silicon dioxide. This silicon dioxide is a white chalk-like powder called diatomite.
Diatomaceous earth is used for all sorts of things, principally as a pesticide for plants and homes. It’s growing more popular as a flea control approach in dogs and houses, as well.
How does it work? The soil includes small silica shards that are like glass. These shards may break through an insect’s exoskeleton and dry it out.
Diatomaceous earth comes in two types in retailers – Food Grade DE and non-Food Grade DE.
Can My Cat Eat It? Is It Safe?
As long as the diatomaceous earth is Food Grade DE, your cat can consume it. The other type is inedible to them! The Food Grade DE can only be given to cats above two pounds that are not pregnant or lactation.
If your cat weighs less than 2 pounds, stick to 1/2 to 1 teaspoon for kittens and tiny cats. Two teaspoons is the recommended serving size for cats that are larger than that.
Once or twice a day, you can administer this to them in the form of food or drink.
Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas on Cats
Make sure you use food-grade DE for flea control first and foremost. It’s a powerful, all-natural insecticide that works on everything that has an exoskeleton.
Because DE is not a chemical pesticide, insects cannot get resistant to it, and its efficacy does not diminish with time.
Fleas may be killed by simply sprinkling DE on your carpets, beds, and furniture. Vacuum it up after three days of sitting.
I promise it won’t leave a mark on your clothes! Repeat this technique every week for 30 days to guarantee that the eggs and larvae, as well as the adult fleas, are eliminated.
Fleas may be treated by applying DE to your cat’s coat. Rub your hands together after applying a small amount to your palms. After that, apply the powder to your cat’s head, being careful not to get any on her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Use it behind her ears, then down her neck to her chin. Applying it is a simple and quick process. Apply the powder on her back, tail, legs, and tummy, massaging it in gently.
You should wait 48 to 72 hours before bathing your cat if you have used a flea treatment. Once the 72-hour period has passed, you should wash your cat to remove any dead fleas and eggs and then use a flea comb to remove the rest.
To guarantee that all fleas are eliminated, repeat this treatment twice a week for the next month.
Diatomaceous Earth as a Supplement for your Cat
Many cat owners supplement their pets’ diets with a little dose of DE to avoid fleas. There are several advantages to this location.
Because of the high concentration of minerals in DE, it aids in hair and nail growth and health, as well as weight loss and better digestion.
DE may also be used to treat your cat’s worms and parasites naturally. Consult your veterinarian for advice on medication regimens.
What Are the Benefits of My Cat Eating Diatomaceous Earth?
There are several advantages to providing your cat diatomaceous earth, despite its more typical exterior use than inside.
Roundworms, pinworms, hookworms, and whipworms are the primary reasons why it is administered internally. For 30 days, diatomaceous earth can be fed to your pet to rid it of adult worms, eggs, and worms that have yet to mature.
However, if your cat is currently taking medicine, you should always speak with your veterinarian first.
However, this is not the only advantage!
Your cat’s coat will be healthier and more lustrous if you feed it diatomaceous earth that includes silica and other minerals, such as salt and magnesium.
How Much Diatomaceous Earth for Cats
Use only food-grade DE as a nutritional supplement for your cat; any other sort is harmful to its health. The amount of DE you should give your cat will be determined by its weight.
You should keep in mind that until kittens start eating solid food, you shouldn’t give them DE as a treat. Adding DE to your cat’s canned food is as simple as doing so.
If there’s white powder on top of the dry food, your cat may refuse to consume it. It’s up to you whether you use a Ziplock bag with the DE mixed in and shake it up, or pour the DE and a quarter cup of water over the cat’s dry food and shake it up again.
Diatomaceous Earth to Remove Cat Litter Odor
Adding DE to cat litter can also help keep the litter fresh and odor-free. Litter made from recycled plastic bottles is also more absorbent than clay-based litters.
A food-grade DE layer on the bottom of the litter box before adding the litter is an option, as is searching for cat litter that already contains it. It will keep your cat’s litter fresher for longer and reduce the stink.
Other Uses for Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is most typically used for flea and tick control, as noted above.
Simply sprinkle some Food Grade diatomaceous earth over furniture, rugs, and wherever else fleas may be hiding (just make sure you don’t overdo it) if you’re dealing with a flea infestation in your house.
The lungs can get inflamed if you inhale too much diatomaceous earth. This is especially true for those with asthma or other breathing issues.
Vacuum after roughly three days of sitting. You should repeat this practice for at least a month to guarantee that all fleas and their eggs have been removed.
Food Grade diatomaceous earth may be used topically to cats with fleas by rubbing it into their coat. To avoid irritating their eyes and lungs, stay away from their eyes, nose, and mouth.
Fleas should begin dying within four hours, but diatomaceous earth should sit for a few days before you bathe your dog or cat.
Consult your pet’s veterinarian before doing this. The use of diatomaceous earth on animals is discouraged by certain veterinarians.
Diatomaceous earth may also be used as cat litter. It aids in the absorption of odors and clumping, making it a great supplement to the cleaning process. It’s as simple as sprinkling a small layer of it into the litter box before putting in new litter.
Are There Any Risks with Using Diatomaceous Earth?
There are no known side effects for cats if you use food-grade DE. You should start with a small quantity and avoid getting it in her eyes while applying it to her coat. This is also a problem since it’s so absorbent, but it’s not toxic.
Conclusion
Diatomaceous earth for cats is a form of naturally occurring clay. It has been around since the time of the dinosaurs and is very safe to use in our homes.
We all know cats are notorious for destroying houseplants, so why not use diatomaceous earth for them as well? There is no better way to protect your plants and flowers than to use diatomaceous earth.
FAQ
What is diatomaceous earth used for?
What bugs will diatomaceous earth kill?
- Ants.
- Cockroaches.
- Silverfish.
- Beetles.
- Bed bugs.
Is diatomaceous earth toxic to humans?
What is diatomaceous earth made from?
Is diatomaceous earth healthy?
How long will diatomaceous earth last?
…
How diatomaceous earth works.
Type of Insect | Apparent Results |
---|---|
Darkling beetles | 7-21 days |
Silverfish | 7-14 days |
Black or red ants | 24 hours |
source https://catshint.com/diatomaceous-earth-for-cats/
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