Patrick, a chemistry professor at Johns Hopkins University. The synthetic route for producing silica gel was patented in 1918 by Walter A.

It was used in World War I for the adsorption of vapors and gases in gas mask canisters. Silica gel was in existence as early as the 1640s as a scientific curiosity. 6.6 Humidity indicator (color-changing silica gel).It is sometimes used in laboratory processes, for example to suppress convection in liquids or prevent settling of suspended particles. 'Wet' silica gel, as may be freshly prepared from alkali silicate solutions, may vary in consistency from a soft transparent gel, similar to gelatin or agar, to a hard solid, namely a water-logged xerogel. Small paper envelopes containing silica xerogel pellets, usually with a 'do not eat' warning, are often included in dry food packages to absorb any humidity that might cause spoilage of the food. Some grains may contain small amounts of indicator substance that changes color when they have absorbed some water. Silica xerogel is usually commercialized as coarse granules or beads, a few millimeters in diameter. It is hard and translucent, but considerably softer than massive silica glass or quartz and remains hard when saturated with water. Silica xerogel with an average pore size of 2.4 nanometers has a strong affinity for water molecules and is widely used as a desiccant. In the last case, the material is properly called silica xerogel. The voids may contain water or some other liquids, or may be filled by gas or vacuum. Silica gel is an amorphous and porous form of silicon dioxide (silica), consisting of an irregular tridimensional framework of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms with nanometer-scale voids and pores. Keep a close eye on your feline friend and if you notice anything out of the ordinary then take them to see a vet.Colloidal silica gel with light opalescence If you're worried then giving your kitty some petroleum gel (like hairball gel) to move things along may help.Īdverse effects to look for are throwing up, constipation, diarrhea or bleeding. There is a small chance it could cause an obstruction but this is extremely rare. Most likely the silica gel will pass through their stool. I am NOT a vet but from the research I have done it seems most people are advised to watch their cat closely and if they notice any changes to go and see a vet. While blue silica gel is toxic it occurs in such small amounts in kitty litter that it is unlikely to pose any huge threat unless you cat has consumed a large quantity of it it. Given that silica gel is non-toxic it is unlikely that you need to immediately respond to the situation.

If you're in a situation where you've just discovered that your cat has eaten silica gel, either from a small packet or from their kitty litter then STAY CALM!

I have recently been doing research into whether or not silica gel is safe to touch and I wanted to help cat owners out there learn for themselves about whether or not silica gel is toxic to your cats and if you should seek an alternative kitty litter. While I don't personally own a cat I do have friends who have cats which I always love seeing and playing with. However, colored silica gel crystals are coated with chemicals that are expected to be carcinogens and may be harmful to your cat if consumed in large quantities. They are basically synthetic sand with microscopic pores for catching water. It is sometimes just clear but often it comes with a mixture of clear silica gel pellets as well as blue or orange pellets that change color when they get wet.īut some cat owns may worry about their cat eating some of these pellets or maybe you've seen your cat eat some and you want to know is silica gel toxic to cats?Ĭlear silica gel pellets are non-toxic for cats to touch and consume. Silica Gel is a common ingredient used in kitty litter due to it's ability to adsorb water from the cat's urine without leaving a mess.

Silica gel cat litter