The Dangers of Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate in a Cat

Sodium tetraborate decahydrate is commonly called boric acid or by the product brand name Borax. Boric acid is a pesticide used to kill fleas, cockroaches, termite, ants and silverfish. It is a mild skin irritant that's safe to use around felines. Although it is considered to be nontoxic to cats and humans, if it is ingested in large quantities it can be poisonous. If inhaled, it can damage the lungs.

  1. Boric Acid

    • Boric acid can be labeled anhydrous borax, borax deydrated, disodium salt of boric acid, disodium tetraborate, fused borax, sodium borate (anhydrous) and sodium tetraborate. It is an odorless, white or gray powder that turns opaque when exposed to air. The EPA has registered boric acid as a pesticide, algicide and fungicide.

    Uses

    • When a cat has fleas, the fleas can jump off her body and get into carpeting and on furniture. In addition, fleas can lay eggs on these surfaces, or eggs can transfer from the cat to the surfaces. Borax is sprinkled on the carpeting of a home and allowed to sit for a few days. When the boric acid comes into contact with the fleas and their eggs, it kills them. This is because the substance is a desiccant -- when ingested or absorbed by an insect, it removes moisture from the body and the pest dies from dehydration.

    Cat Dangers

    • When ingested or inhaled by a cat, boric acid can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In extreme cases, such as acute boric acid poisoning, it can cause ulcers, heart problems, coma or death when ingested in large amounts. When using boric acid to eliminate fleas from the home, keep all pets, including your cats, out of the rooms that you have treated with the substance. Wait two days for the boric acid powder to completely settle, then vacuum it up prior to allowing your pets back into the rooms. If you are treating your whole house, keep your cat in the garage, bathroom, basement or other area that does not have carpeting.

    Boric Acid Exposure

    • Take care when handling boric acid, as it can cause physical injury. When inhaled, boric acid can cause sore throat and coughing. When it gets into contact with eyes, it causes painful irritation. Boric acid can be absorbed through the surface of a person's skin and can cause a rash. When ingested, it causes abdominal pain, convulsions, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.