Do you know if baking soda is safe for cats? Do you know if your cat consumes a large amount of baking soda, she may feel depressed, her heart rate may increase, and she may become lethargic?
She can, however, eat cookies with a pinch of baking soda in them. Are you perplexed? Are you unsure if baking soda is safe for cats or not?
Well, after research, I found out that cats can’t consume baking soda directly. However, if the amount is small it is not dangerous. But, a large amount can cause health problems like breathlessness, seizures, anemia, etc.
Do you want to know more? Readout our article now!
Is Baking Soda Good for Cats?
The short answer is Yes, baking soda is safe for cats only if she ingests it in a moderate amount. In fact, you can use it to clean urine stains, apply it as a deodorizer. However, if she consumes large amounts it can be toxic. Your cat can suffer from shortness of breath disorientation, vomiting, diarrhea-like problems.
Baking soda includes salt, and it tastes bitter as a result, cats won’t taste it. But, in case your kitty eats extra baking soda per pound of her weight it will be completely toxic for her.
It will create an imbalance in her body means potassium, calcium, and phosphorus will decrease and sodium levels will increase. Which will disturb her digestive system. Due to chemical reactions, it can also affect your cat’s kidney, heart, and nervous system too.
However, if you use it as per direction then it can have several benefits too. Like you mix some baking soda with water to neutralize bee stings, apply it to get rid of fleas and ticks, you can use it as toothpaste also.
Can Cats Become Allergic to Baking Soda?
Yes, cats can become allergic to your household baking soda if the amount is high. However, a slight amount of baking soda won’t cause problems but if they take baking soda in large quantity it can affect their body.
The given below-mentioned symptoms are likely to occur when their electrolyte is disturbed due to consuming baking soda in large amounts. And, if you see any of it call the vet for treatment. He may ask for dietary adjustments.
| Baking Soda Allergy in Cats: Signs and Symptoms |
|---|
| Depression |
| Anemia |
| Lethargy |
| Increased thirst |
| Change in color of urine |
| Tremors |
| Muscle spasms |
| Seizures |
| Heart rate irregularities |
| Breathlessness |
| Vomiting |
| Disorientation |
| Diarrhea |
Are There Any Benefits of Using Baking Soda on Cats?
As you know already using baking soda on cats is safe only till it is used in the right amount. And, it has various benefits not just for us but for your cat too.
If you want to know various use of baking soda on cats check out the list given below now!
1. Use Baking Soda to Stop Bleeding
Baking soda can work as first aid to stop the blood. For instance, if you are trimming your cat nails and unfortunately while performing this activity, her nails start to bleed you can simply dip your cat nails into a cup of baking soda and apply some pressure it will suck all the blood.
2. Apply Baking Soda on Cats to Remove Fleas and Ticks
Well, the application of baking soda on cats’ fur won’t kill the fleas or ticks, but your cat can get rid of it. Because it may dry out eggs of the fleas and larvae from her skin.
Simply take equal parts of salt and baking soda and mix them together then rub it on your cat’s fur let it sit for a few minutes then later remove it. It will dehydrate flea eggs and larva which will prevent eggs from growing in numbers.
3. Sprinkle Baking Soda in Litter Box
If you have an old, stinky litter box and want to make it smell new again. Baking soda can be used as a natural deodorizer. It will aid to soak all bad smells caused by her pee and poop.
Two tablespoons of it are more than enough for a big size litter box.
4. It Neutralizes Bee Sting
Sodium bicarbonate is a base and bee sting is acidic so when you apply baking soda to bee venom it helps to neutralize the reaction.
You just have to take enough water and mix some baking soda it will become a thick paste and apply it over the affected area. This will help her to neutralize, ease the pain and swelling. Also, make sure to remove the bee stinger after that.
5. Use in Her Bed to Remove Odor
Kitty loves to sleep, and they enjoy sleeping in a good, pleasant fresh bed.
But, it gets dirty easily, especially if your cat enjoys playing outside. And, sometimes they even pee inside it.
So, what to do next?
Well, to make your cleaning job easier, sprinkle baking soda over her bed and let it sit for 30 minutes or an hour. The baking soda will absorb all of the foul odors, and you can vacuum it out quickly.
If she accidentally pees on the carpet you can make a baking soda and white vinegar mixture and clean the soiled spot with a sponge.
6. Use Baking Soda for Oral Hygiene
If you don’t have any cat toothpaste, you can use baking soda. It is a common home item that you can use to keep your cat’s teeth healthy.
Well, you have to use it carefully for that. Make sure that she doesn’t ingest it because if she does, it can make her stomach upset.
Follow the following process to safely clean your cat’s teeth with baking soda.
- Take her brush and dip into the baking soda solution.
- Gently brush her teeth.
- Then rinse it (make sure she do not consume it)
7. Use Baking Soda as Dry Shampoo
You can use baking soda externally like as dry shampoo on cats.
Simply spread baking soda on her fur and massage gently and keep it for 5 minutes. Then brush out all the white powder from your cat’s fur because if she ingests it can make her health worse.
Even though using in small amounts won’t hurt her but for the best clean all the powder and use a dry towel to clean her completely.
TIP: While putting powder on her fur make sure to avoid her eyes and nose.
8. It Kills Skunk Smell
In case, your feline friend is sprayed by skunk she will smell yuk.
Use the following ingredients to get rid of the unpleasant smell.
- Baking soda (¼ cup)
- Hydrogen peroxide (1 quarter)
- Liquid soap (1teaspoon)
Simply, mix all and apply it on your cat (avoid her eyes and nose) then wash it with shampoo. Now, your kitty will smell fresh.
When Is Baking Soda Harmful to Cats?
If a cat haves baking soda in a high amount it can affect its body. She can become sick and ill. This happens due to the disturbance of electrolytes.
And, if that is disturbed your cat can face severe health problems like
- Chronic or acute kidney failure.
- Heart failure
- Neurological problems
- Difficulty in breathing
- Ataxia
Well, That’s a Wrap!
Every house has a box of baking soda at home. But, many of us don’t know if baking soda is safe for cats or not!
Well, it will be safe if you use it in the right quantity but in case the amount is huge it can have bad repercussions like diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy.
So, the thumb rule is quantity always matters!
Well, it can be used for cleaning her teeth, litter box, to stop accidental bleeding, and can be used as a dry shampoo too!
If you want to add something more do leave a comment below!
References
- Household Food Items Toxic to Dogs and Cats – NCBI
- 9 Baking Soda Uses for Pet Owners – PetMD
- Baking Soda – American College of Veterinary Pharmacists
Thank you.
I found out that KIITY LITER is very irritating to her skin
using now YESTER DAY NEWS..#3
I use baking soda for my laundry, anything that she has a contact with she scratches to no end.
Is there any way it can be controlled?
Scratching is cat’s normal behavior as it is within her natural instincts. However, if your cat is scratching too much then getting her a Cat Scratching Post/Tower is a good option. It will help her to drive her attention towards the scratching post rather than other things in the house.