My Cat Ate Baking Soda What Should I Do?

Has your cat eaten some baking soda? Are you worried baking soda could make your cat sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! We understand it can be scary when our fur babies eat things they maybe shouldn’t.

In this article, we’ll take a look a baking soda and whether or not it can make your cat sick. Let’s get started!

What is Baking Soda?

Baking soda is a commonly used leaven for baking and cooking. It’s made of sodium bicarbonate. Baking soda is a base, which is combined with an acid in baking and cooking. For instance, baking soda may be to be mixed with cream of tartar, vinegar, or even applesauce (each of these is an acid). When a base and an acid combine, they help create carbon dioxide, which makes baked goods rise.

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is used in quick breads, which includes pancakes, muffins, certain types of cake, and even fried foods.

Baking soda can also be used in other ways. For instance, some people put a box of open baking soda in the fridge to remove food smells. It can also be used as a cleaner for scrubbing.

Baking soda is generally considered safe; however, is it toxic to cats? Can baking soda make cats sick?

Baking Soda & Cats

Unfortunately, baking soda is toxic to cats if ingested in large amounts. If your cat has eaten only a small amount, she should be OK. Just monitor her for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. These should not last longer than 24 hours. If they do, then it’s time to call the vet.

If ingested in large amounts, baking soda can lead to an electrolyte imbalance in cats, which can cause a serious type of anemia. This can be a serious health issue.

What are the symptoms in a cat who has eaten a large amount of baking soda?

Baking Soda Toxicity in Cats

You may notice these symptoms of your cat has eaten a large amount of baking soda:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Tremors/seizures
• Shortness of breath
• Disorientation
• Heart rate irregularity
• Muscle weakness/paralysis
• Color of urine will change
• Increased thirst
• Anemia

If you notice these symptoms in your cat, call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency.

Treatment of Baking Soda Toxicity in Cats

Treatment will depend on the cat’s symptoms. Baking soda toxicity can cause anemia, kidney failure, and more. So, after making the diagnosis, the vet will focus on treating the symptoms your cat has.

The vet may prescribe medications & a special diet, and more.

The good news is that cats who receive prompt medical treatment have a better chance of making a full recovery.