Attapulgite Clay for Diarrhea in Cats
Attapulgite clay has long been used to treat diarrhea in cats and kittens. Loose stools and diarrhea that are not caused by parasites or diseases can occasionally strike your feline, making attapulgite clay an important part of caring for your companion. As with any medical problem, you should consult your veterinarian before administering attapulgite clay or any other medication to treat diarrhea.
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Uses
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Attapulgite clay is used medically to absorb toxins as well as to treat diarrhea. Attapulgite clay is also indicated for use in cats when diarrhea may be caused by ingestion of garbage or rotting material, as well as after ingestion of some pesticides or other toxins.
In addition to its use in cats, attapulgite clay once was also the active ingredient in Kaopectate used in humans, as well as several other medications for dogs, horses and other livestock. Currently, few medications for humans contain attapulgite clay and, as Kaopectate, instead contain bismuth subsalicylate.
Medications
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Attapulgite clay is available in pill form from most online veterinary medicine supply stores as well as from veterinarians. Increasingly, attapulgite clay is available in a paste form that makes administration easier for cat owners and ingestion easier for cats' sensitive stomachs.
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Cost
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Attapulgite clay is extremely inexpensive, costing less than 20 cents per dose. Even with an average medication regimen lasting several says, the total cost of attapulgite clay would still be between $1 and $2 to treat diarrhea.
Warning
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It is highly dangerous to treat your cat with attapulgite clay-based products without consulting a veterinarian first. Some brands of anti-diarrhea medications also contain aspirin extracts that can be toxic to cats, resulting in severe medical complications. Even attapulgite clay can be administered improperly causing vomiting or constipation.
Eating Litter
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Some clay cat litters contain trace amounts of attapulgite clay, a desiccant that reduces smell from wet feces and absorbs some liquids. Some ill cats may begin to eat clay, apparently in an effort to detoxify their bodies. If your cat is eating its clay litter, it may be after the attapulgite clay and you should take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
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