Is Baking Soda Harmful to Cats? What Every Pet Owner Should Know
Is baking soda harmful to cats? The short answer is yes. People can safely eat baking soda, but cats should not. The effects of even small amounts can be very bad, leading to vomiting or even worse. Pet owners often clean it or in a litter box without realizing the dangers.
This article explains what happens, how much is too much, and better ways to deal with smells around your cat.
What Happens If a Cat Licks Baking Soda?
Is Baking Soda Harmful to Cats?
If cats eat small to large amounts of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), it can hurt them. Cats are more likely to get sick than people or dogs because they are smaller and their metabolisms are more sensitive. Getting a small amount accidentally will not harm healthy cats, but eating more than 0.5 to 1.0 g/kg body weight can be dangerous.
Signs of danger after ingestion include:
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Vomiting and diarrhea: Early indicators of internal distress.
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Muscle tremors: Caused by nerve and electrolyte imbalances.
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Panting or shallow breath: Indicates a blood sodium shift.
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Lethargy and disorientation: Shows soda toxicity is progressing.
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Seizures: May occur if large quantities were eaten or untreated.
Why Cats Might Lick Baking Soda and How to Prevent It
There are several reasons a cat might lick baking soda: interest, taste, or being exposed to it indirectly. It can be found in litter, on rugs, or in places where people sprinkle baking soda to get rid of smells. Some cats like the way it feels or how it tastes, which is bitter and salty. Others ingest it unknowingly through grooming. To prevent soda toxicity, avoid leaving soda-treated surfaces accessible and never add baking soda directly to cats or their bedding.
Common ways cats get exposed include:
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Grooming paws or fur: After walking across treated litter or carpet.
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Tasting powder on the floor: Soda may be sprinkled near their food or litter box.
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Deodorized bedding or toys: May carry residue from previous use.
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Misuse by pet owners: Applying soda to fur as a DIY flea powder.
Is Baking Soda Safe for Cats in the Litter Box?
The Case for It – Odor Control Without Chemicals
Some pet owners put baking soda in the litter box to get rid of the smell of urine. If you use it right, it can get rid of unpleasant odors without using strong scents. Sodium bicarbonate naturally gets rid of smells and neutralizes the ammonia in pee. It also soaks up water. Several commercial cat litter options now include it as an ingredient.
Benefits when used correctly include:
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Odor reduction: Neutralizes acidic urine in kitty litter.
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Moisture absorption: Helps keep litter box drier.
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Mild scent masking: Better than perfumed litters for sensitive cats.
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Natural cleaner effect: Reduces bacteria in small doses.
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Found in baked goods: Baking soda is safe for humans in food but this does not make it harmless for pets when used externally or in large amounts.
The Case Against It – Potential Risks and Vet Warnings
Despite its benefits, baking soda in the litter box may pose risks. Some cats lick their feet after using the litter box and eat the soda. Others may avoid the litter altogether due to texture or scent changes. Overuse can also lead to respiratory irritation or soda toxicity from repeated exposure to large amounts.
Instead of trying to make your own litter, veterinarians suggest to buy litter that’s pre-formulated with safe ingredients.
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Paw licking and ingestion: Leads to unintentional toxic intake.
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Respiratory issues: Fine powder may irritate lungs or nostrils.
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Litter box aversion: Some cats dislike changes in smell or texture.
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Overuse of powder: Large amounts increase the risk of ingestion.
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Incorrect assumptions by pet owners: Thinking baking soda safe equals unlimited use.
How Much Baking Soda Is Safe for Cats?
Toxic Thresholds – What Is Too Much?
Cats can only handle a very small amount of baking soda before they get sick. Toxic doses in cats are not universally defined, but ingestion above 0.5–1.0 g/kg may cause symptoms. Over 2g, which is about half a teaspoon, could be dangerous for a cat that weighs about 4.5 kg.
Baking soda toxicity can occur rapidly, especially if the cat is young, elderly, or already suffering from kidney disease or electrolyte imbalances. Because cats are small, even minimal ingestion can have serious consequences.
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More than 2 grams (roughly half a teaspoon): Enough to cause dangerous symptoms for a 4.5 kg cat. Toxic effects may occur at doses above 0.5–1.0 g/kg, depending on the cat's health.
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Smaller amounts: Can still harm kittens or sick animals.
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Sodium levels spike quickly: Ingestion of high quantities of sodium bicarbonate can disrupt electrolyte balance, leading to hypernatremia and potential neurologic signs.
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Diet differences: Cats don’t process baking powder like humans.
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Every cat is different: What’s safe for one may be toxic to another cat.
Safe Usage – Where and When It’s Acceptable
Using baking soda around cats may be safe as long as it is completely cleaned off surfaces before the cats can get to them. Adding baking soda to the litter box to get rid of smells should only be done in very small amounts and after mixing it well. Don't use it on clothing or furniture, for example, where cats might eat it or feel it directly.
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Mixed into litter: Not sprinkled on top, and only in minimal quantity
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Used on carpet and vacuumed: Vacuum thoroughly before allowing cats to sit or roll
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Never on bedding: Residue can stick to fur and be licked during grooming
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Never apply to fur: Even for flea control, it’s not worth the ingestion risk
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Avoid open-air use: Use in places your cat doesn’t eat, sleep, or groom
Does Baking Soda Break Down Cat Urine?
How Baking Soda Neutralizes Odor and Acid
Pet owners often use baking soda to get rid of the smell of cat urine. It doesn't completely break down pee, but it helps by reacting with the acidic parts of urine to make it smell less bad. Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes the pH level, cutting down the ammonia smell. This can work effectively on carpets, tile, and furniture, but it should never replace full cleaning routines.
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Reduces ammonia odors: Reacts with acidic urine to minimize harsh smell.
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Useful for surface treatments: Helps neutralize scent on carpet or furniture.
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Supports cleaning routines: Should accompany enzyme cleaners or soap.
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Works in litter boxes: Helps control urine smell between box cleanings.
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Safe for use when cleaned: Not harmful once vacuumed or wiped away.
Cleaning Tips – Using It Safely Around Cats
If you sprinkle powder on surfaces and leave it there for too long, it can be swallowed or breathed in. Instead, use little baking soda, let it sit for a short time, and then clean the area well before letting the pets back in.
How to clean with baking soda safely:
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Sprinkle baking soda lightly: Use only in odor-affected areas, not entire carpets.
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Let it sit briefly: 10–15 minutes is enough for absorption.
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Vacuum thoroughly: Ensure no powder is left behind on carpet or floors.
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Don’t leave it on bedding or furniture: Cats may sit or groom there later.
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Try safe DIY mixes: Vinegar and soda work well, followed by a clean water rinse.
About Our Site – Welcome to FullyHealthy
What We Believe: Clean Living for the Whole Family (Including Pets)
Here at FullyHealthy, we think health starts at home, with clear labels, clean ingredients, and safety for the whole family, even your pets. We promote smarter product choices and encourage people to read labels carefully.
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Offering allergen-free and AIP-compliant options: Better for sensitive families and animals.
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Curated selection of trusted products: Including safe baking and home care items like our Bob's Red Mill Baking Soda.
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Transparency-first philosophy: We tell you what’s inside every product.
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Pet-conscious shopping: We avoid ingredients that are harmful to cats or dogs.
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Smarter cleaning choices: For reducing risk of soda toxicity or other household hazards.
Why Ingredient Awareness Is Crucial for Pet Owners
A lot of natural products, like baking soda, are safe for people to use but can be bad for pets. Cats, in particular, have unique grooming habits and metabolisms that make them more vulnerable to common household items. Something that you might think is a fine powder or a small amount could make your cat very sick.
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Cats groom constantly: They ingest anything on their fur or paws.
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Small amounts of baking soda matter: A tiny dose can cause real harm.
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Even other cat-safe products vary: Always double-check your ingredients.
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Natural doesn’t mean risk-free: Example: garlic, tea tree oil, and even sodium bicarbonate in large amounts.
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Our site helps: We prioritize clarity and label transparency in every item.
Final Thoughts
Baking soda is safe for people to use, but it can be dangerous for cats if they eat it or misused. Baking soda and baking powder can make them throw up, have diarrhea, or even get poisoning if they eat too much of them. The litter box, the carpet, or the furniture where pets sit or should not have a lot of it added to them. Always treat ingestion very carefully and call a vet. Make sure you bake safely, keep your house clean, and keep powder away from your cats. Share this with other pet owners.
FAQs
Can baking soda cause high blood pressure or kidney disease in cats?
Large or repeated ingestion of sodium bicarbonate can worsen existing kidney or cardiovascular issues but is not a direct cause of chronic disease.
Is baking soda harmful to cats if I sprinkle baking soda in the litter box?
Sprinkle baking soda lightly in the litter box only if you mix it well into kitty litter, or soda toxicity may occur.
What symptoms show if a cat eats small quantities of baking soda?
Moderate to large ingestion can cause vomiting or diarrhea. Small incidental contact is unlikely to cause serious symptoms in healthy cats.
Can I use baking soda or baking powder on carpet and still keep it safe for animals?
Yes, only if you vacuum powder completely before your pets sit or eat near the carpet to avoid ingestion or harmful exposure.
Is using baking soda around cats safe if dogs and humans are fine with it?
No, cats are not like dogs or humans, and ingestion of baking soda in any quantity may lead to toxic signs or worse.
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