Content
- What is activated carbon
- Uses of activated charcoal in cats
- How to Induce Vomiting in a Poisoned Cat
- Activated charcoal doses for cats
- Contraindications of activated charcoal for cats
- Side Effects of Activated Charcoal for Cats
Activated charcoal is a good product to have on hand when living with animals. In fact, it is recommended that you always include it in your First aid kit. This is due, above all, to the fact that activated charcoal is used to treat poisonings.
And that's why, in this PeritoAnimal article, we're going to talk about activated charcoal for cats: how and when to use, giving you more details in which cases it is administered, what the most appropriate dosage is, and in general everything you need to know about activated charcoal. Good reading.
What is activated carbon
Activated carbon is obtained from different materials, therefore, depending on them and the technique used in its preparation, it will have different characteristics. Although, without a doubt, the main one is its enormous capacity to absorb different substances thanks to its micropore structure.
This property is what gives rise to its best known use, which is the poisoning treatment. Although colloquially we speak of absorption, in reality the chemical process that takes place is known as adsorption, which is the adhesion between atoms, ions or molecules of gases, liquids or solids that are dissolved on a surface. Thus, activated charcoal for cats will be effective when the ingested substance is in the stomach.
Uses of activated charcoal in cats
Undoubtedly, activated charcoal for poisoned cat will be the most frequent use of this product, although it has other applications. It is also possible to use it, always following the veterinarian's prescription, to treat some digestive problems, such as when activated charcoal is prescribed for diarrhea in cats.
In any case, its use is due to its great capacity to absorb other substances. This explains the use of activated charcoal to detoxify cats, as it works by binding to toxic products, preventing them from being absorbed by the body. But keep in mind that the effectiveness will also depend on the substance. that the cat ingested or the time to start treatment.
Thus, if we administer activated charcoal when the cat's body has already absorbed the poison, it will have no benefit. Therefore, if we find the feline ingesting a toxic product or if we suspect he is poisoned, before giving him anything, we should call the vet so he can tell us how to proceed. Especially because before using activated charcoal for cat you must induce your vomiting, and this action is not recommended in all cases because, depending on the poison ingested by the animal, inciting vomiting may be totally inadequate.
How to Induce Vomiting in a Poisoned Cat
On the internet, you can find different formulas to induce vomiting in cats. The most common and widespread way is using 3% concentration hydrogen peroxide, offering the feline half a tablespoon and may repeat the dose again after 15 minutes if the first administration has not had any effect.
But be careful: some authors point out that hydrogen peroxide can cause hemorrhagic gastritis in cats and salt water, which is another remedy often recommended for this purpose, can cause hypernatremia, which is an elevation in the concentration of sodium in the blood. Therefore, the only safe way to induce vomiting in a cat is to take it to a veterinary clinic.[1].
Activated charcoal doses for cats
Once the cat has vomited, only then does the time come when it will be possible to supply the activated charcoal according to the manufacturer's instructions and the animal's weight. Activated charcoal for cats can be purchased in tablets, liquid or powder to be diluted with water, which is the most recommended and effective presentation. In general, the dosage varies from 1-5 grams per kg of weight in the case of tablets, or from 6-12 ml per kg in the case of suspension. It can be given more than once if the veterinarian considers it so or administered by gastric tube.
If we give activated charcoal to the cat at home, we must also go to the veterinarian, as it is the professional who has to assess the cat's general condition and complete the treatment, which will be guided to eliminate the poison as much as possible, as well as to control the signals that the animal presents.
In cases where activated charcoal will be used as part of the treatment of digestive disorders, it is also up to the veterinarian to decide the most appropriate dose. according to the cat's situation.
Contraindications of activated charcoal for cats
We've already seen how effective activated charcoal for cats can be, especially in cases of poisoning, although you should always consult your veterinarian. However, activated charcoal is often not used because there are several cases where it is not advisable to induce vomiting in felines, as in the following situations:
- When the ingested product is a cleaning product, petroleum derivative, or the label states that vomiting must not be induced. Mouth sores can make us suspect that the cat has ingested a corrosive toxic, in which case you should not make him vomit.
- If the cat has already vomited.
- If you're practically unconscious.
- Breathing with difficulty.
- Shows signs of neurological disorders such as incoordination or tremors.
- When the cat is in poor health.
- If ingestion occurred more than 2-3 hours ago.
- Activated charcoal is not effective with all substances. For example, heavy metals, xylitol and alcohol do not bind to it. It is also not recommended for a cat that is dehydrated or has hypernatremia.
Side Effects of Activated Charcoal for Cats
In general, activated charcoal has no side effects because the body does not absorb or metabolize it. What you will see is that the stools will be affected, turning black, which is completely normal.
However, if you do not administer it well, especially with a syringe, the cat could aspirate it, which could cause:
- Pneumonia.
- Hypernatremia.
- Dehydration.
And since we're talking about the cats health, you might be interested in the following video that explains what are the 10 most common diseases in cats:
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Activated charcoal for cats: how and when to use, we recommend that you enter our Medicines section.