Activated carbon is a product that should be on hand when living with animals, in fact, it is recommended that it always be included in the first aid kitThis is mainly because activated charcoal is used to treat poisoning
Specifically, in this article on our site we will explain how to use activated carbon for cats, in what cases it is administered, what it is the most suitable dosage and, in general, everything you need to know about activated carbon.
What is activated carbon?
Activated carbon, also known as active carbon, is obtained from different materials, so depending on these and the technique used in its preparation, it will present 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.
Activated charcoal uses for cats
Without a doubt, activated carbon for poisoned cats will be the most frequent use of this product, although it has other applications. Thus, it is 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 is what explains the use of activated carbon to detoxify cats, since it would work 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 has ingested or the time it takes to start treatment.
Seeing how it works, logically, if we administer it when the cat's body has already absorbed the poison, it will not have any benefit. Therefore, if we discover our cat consuming any toxic product or we suspect that it is poisoned, before giving it anything, we must call the veterinarian to tell us how to proceed. Above all because before using activated charcoal you must induce vomiting, and this action is not recommended in all cases because with some substances it would be counterproductive.
How to make an intoxicated cat vomit?
On the internet there are different formulas to make cats vomit. The most widespread is hydrogen peroxide in a concentration of 3%, administering half a tablespoon and being able to repeat the dose once more if it has not had an effect after approximately 15 minutes.
But some authors point out that hydrogen peroxide can cause hemorrhagic gastritis in cats and s alt water, which is another remedy that is usually recommended, hypernatremia, which is an increase in sodium concentration in the blood. That's why the only safe way to make your cat vomit is go to a veterinary center[1]
Dose of activated carbon for cats
Once the cat has vomited, activated charcoal can be administered according to the manufacturer's instructions and the weight of the animal. It can be bought in tablets, liquid or powder to dilute in water, which is the most recommended and effective presentation. In general, the dose ranges between 1-5 g per kg of weight, in the case of tablets, or 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 it to the cat at home, we still have to go to the vet, because it is the professional who has to assess the condition of the cat and complete the treatment, which will be aimed at eliminating the poison as much as possible, as well as controlling the signs that the animal presents.
On the other hand, in cases where activated charcoal is going to be used as part of the treatment of digestive disorders, it will be the professional who decides the most appropriate dose according to the cat's situation.
Contraindications of activated carbon for cats
We have seen how effective activated charcoal can be for cats, especially in cases of poisoning, although you should always consult your veterinarian. But sometimes activated charcoal is not used in the first place because it is not advisable to induce vomiting, as in the following cases:
- When the ingested product is a cleaning product, derived from petroleum or the label indicates that vomiting should not be induced. Wounds in the mouth can make us suspect that the cat has ingested a corrosive toxin, in which case it should not be made to vomit.
- The cat has already vomited.
- he is practically unconscious
- He is breathing heavily.
- Shows signs of neurological disturbances, such as incoordination or tremors.
- He is very weak.
- The ingestion took place more than 2-3 hours ago.
- Activated charcoal is not effective with all substances. For example, heavy metals, xylitol and alcohol are not bound to it. It is also not recommended if the cat is dehydrated or hypernatremic.
Activated Charcoal Side Effects on Cats
In general, activated charcoal has no side effects because it is not absorbed or metabolized by the body. Of course, it will be eliminated in the faeces, so we can notice that these will be black, being totally normal.
However, If it is not administered properly, especially with a syringe, the cat could aspirate it, which could cause:
- Pneumonia.
- Hypernatremia.
- Dehydration.
