Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powdered, naturally occurring substance that has many benefits for pet owners. From getting rid of fleas to helping boost the absorbency of cat litter, a cat owner can find numerous ways to put this multi-purpose powder to use. Diatomaceous earth is an excellent substitute for many chemical products, making it an ideal choice for those that prefer to use natural products in their home.
About
Diatomaceous earth comes from the fossilized remains of ancient algae. It is harvested from areas that once contained both fresh and saltwater, and ground into a powder that can easily be added to many products. Diatomaceous earth has proven to be valuable in a number of different areas, from pet care and pest control to use in the agricultural and industrial industries.
Features
When powdered, diatomaceous earth maintains an abrasiveness which makes it beneficial for pest control. Small pests, such as the fleas and ticks that plague our cats, are easily killed by the DE, as their exoskeletons are punctured by the sharp, crystalline edges of the powder particles.
The shell of the ancient algae that makes the DE also contains a negative charge. Like a magnet, this negative charge has the ability to attract positive charged molecules such as water, bacteria and viruses, making it beneficial to use as an internal parasite remover or an additive to cat litter.
Types
There are two common forms of diatomaceous earth available to the average consumer; food grade diatomaceous earth and horticultural grade diatomaceous earth. Food grade diatomaceous earth is ground to a much finer powder than the horticultural grade, making it safe for use in pets and animals.
Food grade DE is milled so that the crystalline particles of the DE are virtually shapeless. The DE is still capable of working to kill small intestinal parasites and external parasites such as ticks and fleas, but is harmless to the cat.
Functions
The most common use of diatomaceous earth for cats is as a flea treatment and preventative. The DE can be rubbed into fur, causing no damage to the cat, but killing any mature fleas the cat may have. It can also be sprinkled onto the cat's bedding and around the home to kill any mature fleas that are present.
When a small amount of food grade diatomaceous earth is added to the cat's food, the DE can help to kill internal parasites, viruses and harmful bacteria the cat may have. The DE will pass through the cat's digestive system, absorbing the bacteria so that it is passed out during defecation.
Finally, the DE can also be added to the cat's litter box to boost the absorbency of the litter as well as help control odor. As DE is a fine powder, it is only necessary to add a small amount to the litter box.
Warnings
Although use of food grade diatomaceous earth is safe for cats, there are some considerations that must be taken. When using DE on your cat, always wear protective gloves when rubbing it into the cat's fur to treat fleas. Do not inhale the powder of the DE, and practice caution if you have a respiratory condition by wearing a mask when using the product. While horticultural grade DE is safe to use in the yard, only use food grade DE indoors and for use on pets.
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