Are cats ok around diatomaceous earth

I have a ant problem, and finally realized they were coming in, to get the cat litter! Seriously! It's made of wheat, and I saw several of them carrying little pieces away they had found underneath the carpet...

Now I have to figure out a better place to put the litter box, where I can put a tarp under it or contain it better. Also, I need to get rid of the ants. One suggestion for the ant problem, is diatomaceous earth...

Is that safe to use around cats? I want an effective way of getting rid of the ants, but nontoxic, of course. Any other suggestions would be appreciated, too. Thank you!

As long as it is food grade, it is completely safe around them, but you you to make sure its the food grade.

FOOD grade is the key NOT pool grade... Many garden stores carry food grade as garden grade read the label ...

Food grade is absolutely harmless for your kitties. In fact, some farmers add it to their feed to help keep internal parasites down in their livestock. Some humans add some to their own food for internal parasites and some add a bit to their kitties food for the same reasons.

I found mine at a large nursery in our area. Not everyone carries it, but you should be able to find it at a feed store or nursery. The other option is get it online.

Hi I order my DE from Perma-Guard and yes I ingest it too, I just mix it in with a glass of water.

The only way it can harm the cats (or you) is if they inhaled it or got it in their eyes. It can irritate eyes, nose and lungs. Just be careful when applying it so that doesn't happen.

Originally Posted by momto3cats

The only way it can harm the cats (or you) is if they inhaled it or got it in their eyes. It can irritate eyes, nose and lungs. Just be careful when applying it so that doesn't happen.

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And just to be clear - even that won't "harm" you, just be irritating.

I really appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Shanynne

Hi

I order my DE from Perma-Guard and yes I ingest it too, I just mix it in with a glass of water.

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Thanks for the suggestion, I ordered some and know it will do the trick!