Baking soda is a miracle cure for every cat owner

The method is as simple as it is effective – but be careful! There can also be health risks from inappropriate procedures.

Today’s cat owners can hardly imagine what it was like when cat litter didn’t exist. However, the indoor toilet for cats is not practical if the odors emanating from it permeate the room. (Although it is important to note that fundamentally a properly maintained litter box should not smell!) There are many solutions to eliminate unwanted aromas, but not all of them are effective. And moreover, not necessarily comfortable for the cat. The main goal of scented cat litters would be to mask odors, but we know that artificial fragrances can be irritating to many pets. What could be the solution besides scooping daily and cleaning regularly? We’ll show you how baking soda can be used to deodorize the litter box.

Bring out the baking soda

Chemists discovered sodium bicarbonate early on, but products available to the general public only became widespread in the late 1800s. Entrepreneurs quickly discovered the potential of baking soda and used it in various products from cooking to cleaning.

One of the most important uses of baking soda is cleaning – it is still widely used today to neutralize various odors. Therefore, it is not surprising that it can be a real miracle weapon when it comes to cat litter.

The pH value of sodium bicarbonate is 9.0, i.e., alkaline. A healthy cat’s urine has a pH value between 6.3-6.6, i.e., acidic. The theory behind using baking soda is that when added to the litter, it neutralizes the unpleasant odor of strongly acidic urine.

How to use it

Mix one to two tablespoons of baking soda into the litter. It has no smell, but it tastes very bad – so you shouldn’t put too much in. After using the litter box, cats often start grooming, and baking soda stuck to their paws can be very unpleasant if it gets into their mouths. It does not cause health problems. Ppoisoning can occur if the animal consumes 10 grams per kilogram of body weight, but in some cats, it can induce litter avoidance behavior.

Another drawback of baking soda may be the dust it produces when used. Many owners opt for clumping litter to minimize airborne dust. While one or two tablespoons of baking soda doesn’t create a cloud of dust, it may be bothersome for a sensitive cat or owner.

It is also important to note that there are currently no studies available on how and to what extent the use of baking soda affects the formation of ammonia gas after a cat urinates. Although there is a low chance of ammonia poisoning with the use of such a small amount of sodium bicarbonate, this should also be taken into account when making a responsible decision.

In addition to mixing it with the litter, a baking soda-vinegar mix is also a perfect solution for cleaning the litter box or tray.