Activated Charcoal And Slippery Elm (Inner Bark)

Question
QUESTION: Dear Dr. Christina,

May I know if activated charcoal and slippery elm (inner bark) are safe for pregnant and nursing cats?

Thanks & regards,

ANSWER: Yes, it is safe to use activated charcoal and slippery elm in pregnant and nursing cats. I do prefer to use marshmallow root over elm, to prevent elm trees from being cut down. the Marshmallow root is a bit more gentle on the cats and is an annual plant, so more sustainable.

There is a great natural rearing website - www.aunaturelk9s.com - that may help you improve the health of offspring.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Dr. Christina,

And is it true that the activated charcoal is not for long term use (only 3-4 days maximum) for cat's diarrhea?

Thanks & regards,

Answer
No treatment should be used forever. If a cat has diarrhea, you want to discover what is causing it, then use holistic approaches to resolve the problem so you do not need to continue to use any temporary help for the stools. Definitely look at long term probiotics and digestive enzymes as part of care for the digestive tract. Charcoal can be safely used for months, though I do not recommend it.

If you have cats with chronic diarrhea problems, please seek professional holistic care and do not breed these cats as they will pass on that tendency. Once cured, they will not pass on the tendency. See www.aunaturelk9s.com (good for cats, too).