Do you think it's a good idea to disinfect your cat's wound with hydrogen peroxide? Hydrogen peroxide is a compound that has been used for a long time for its oxidizing effect, its antiseptic and antimicrobial capacity and for its bleaching properties in industry. However, the skin of our cats is very sensitive to this product since its use produces abrasion, so if you can avoid it or dilute it, the better.
Is hydrogen peroxide toxic to cats?
Hydrogen peroxide, also known as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), dioxogen, dihydrogen peroxide or dioxidane is a chemical that looks liquid but somewhat more viscous than water (H2O) and with a penetrating and certainly unpleasant smell
This is a very unstable compound that quickly decomposes into water and oxygen, releasing large amounts of heat. It's used:
- En concentrations of less than 10%: for therapeutic uses and bleaching clothes and hair.
- In high concentrations: to whiten paper pulp and fabrics.
- At 90% concentrations: as rocket fuel, as well as for making organic chemicals and foam rubber.
Its best known use for the general population is for its antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiseptic capacity due to its oxidizing effect at concentrations not exceeding 6%. This oxidizing effect produces OH- or hydroxyl, as well as free radicals that attack proteins and lipids of the cell membranes of microorganisms. Although in recent years its use has been reduced due to the popularity of other products with similar and less irritating properties.
It should be noted that although hydrogen peroxide will not cause intoxication in cats, it is true thatcan become abrasive , so in this species the use of other antiseptic products such as chlorhexidine or diluted povidone-iodine is preferred for the disinfection of surgical or non-surgical wounds.
In an emergency and only hydrogen peroxide is available, it should be combined with deionized water such as that used for iron to create a less irritating disinfectant solution for your little feline's skin.
What happens if a cat licks hydrogen peroxide?
If we use hydrogen peroxide on a wound in our cats, it is important to prevent cats from licking the area and ingesting this compound. In addition to its bad taste, this substance can cause nausea and vomiting.
Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide can be used to induce vomiting in dogs, but be careful with cats, as this product can be fatalin this species. If your cat ingests a bit of hydrogen peroxide after licking itself, nothing will probably happen to it beyond feeling an unpleasant taste and some discomfort, but it will not be anything serious or noticeable.
You should prevent your cat from ingesting hydrogen peroxide in chemical products such as cleaning products, although it is rare, a curious cat can ingest a little of these liquids and be really fatal.
Why is my cat vomiting? Feel free to take a look at the following article on our site to find out the answer.
How to disinfect a wound in cats?
It is important that every cat caretaker knows how to disinfect a wound, especially minor superficial wounds, because in case of deep open wounds you should go to a veterinary center in case a correct debridement is also required or removal of dead tissue from the wound with sedation.
It is convenient to know that the steps to follow when properly treating a cat wound are the following:
- Wound cleaning: the wound area should be cleaned with a sterile gauze and physiological saline after cutting out the hairs that may be rubbing against it and predisposing to infections and irritations.
- Wound disinfection: The best antiseptics for this step in cats are chlorhexidine first and povidone second iodine (Betadine) diluted with water (1 part of povidone for 10 of water) that should be applied on the wound with a sterile gauze until it is covered with the product.
- Wound healing through ointments and other topical treatments: ointments with healing components can be used to speed up the process, always under the prescription of the veterinarian who has seen your cat's wound and should be applied directly with gloves to avoid contaminating the wound.
- Wound protection with an Elizabethan collar: the Elizabethan collar is a protection object that prevents the cat from licking the wound by making it difficult for him to move his neck. Preventing the wound from being licked is essential in the proper healing of a wound, since its tongue drags the new tissue that will lead to the recovery of the skin, delaying healing as well as predisposing to infections.
- Use of antibiotics: in case of infected wounds.
You may be interested in these articles on Wounds in cats that do not heal: causes and what to do or Wounds in cats: first aid.
