Signs and Symptoms of Baking Soda Toxicity
According to the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists, the signs of baking soda toxicity in cats include:
Furthermore, sodium bicarbonate is a salt. Large quantities of sodium could cause electrolyte imbalances and potential health problems if left untreated.
Household Uses of Baking Soda
The most useful application of baking soda in a home with cats is to deodorize. Baking soda may be mixed in with cat litter to help absorb any offensive odors from the area. To use baking soda in this manner, simply stir in a few teaspoons to tablespoons with the cat litter, depending on the size of the litter box.
If you have pets (or kids), you may be accustomed to dealing with laundry odors. Bedding, sheets, blankets, and other fabrics that your cat lies on may begin to have an unpleasant odor over time. Baking soda can be added to your washer along with the detergent to aid in eliminating these odors.
Unfortunately, sometimes our pets decide to spend time lounging on furniture that cannot be washed. Couches, chairs, and pillows are all great places to try baking soda for odor removal. All you need to do is sprinkle a little baking soda over the area and then allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Be sure to keep your cat away from the area while the baking soda sits. A quick vacuuming of the area should leave it smelling much fresher!
Whether it is a urine accident from a pet or a spilled drink, baking soda can be very helpful in the cleanup of liquid messes. Baking soda by itself can be worked into the area, or you can add water and white vinegar to the baking soda to make a powerful cleaning solution. Either way, the baking soda should be applied to the mess area after the excess spill or urine has been blotted up but is still wet. Allow the area to soak in the baking soda or mixed solution for 30 minutes, and then clean it with a wet rag. Follow this with a brisk vacuuming of the area. Be sure to keep curious pets away while the area is soaking.
Can I Use Baking Soda to Treat Fleas On My Cat?
One more natural method of killing fleas is using a combination of baking soda and table salt. It works by dehydrating fleas, as well as their eggs and larva.
Even though it’s effective, this is a method best used on carpets or furniture instead of your cat. It’s a slow-acting technique and often takes more than one application to be effective. Plus, cats love grooming themselves and they’re likely to ingest it while they’re grooming.