Kittens will be kittens! What do we mean by that? Well, think about how playful and curious kittens are! They love to get into everything! If you’re watching TV, they try to get your attention. And if they see something new on the floor that looks like food, a kitten may eat it! Some kittens may even try to eat baking soda!
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Has your kitten eaten some baking soda? Are you worried the baking soda will make your kitten sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. It’s scary when a kitten eats something she shouldn’t!
We’ve put together some information about baking soda and whether or not it can make your kitten sick. Let’s get started!
What is Baking Soda?
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, which is in a crystalline form in nature. However, it’s ground and then used as baking soda for cooking and baking. Baking soda is an alkaline substance. When it’s added to an acid (any type of acid), the mixture produces carbon dioxide gas. The gas may resemble tiny bubbles when used in batters and sauces that contain an acid (such as lemon juice, vinegar, etc.).
Baking soda usually has a bitter, salty taste. So, most cats will not eat. However, a curious kitten may lick up some baking soda to see what it is!
Can baking soda make your kitten sick?
Baking Soda & Kittens
If your kitten has only had a very small bit of baking soda, then she should be OK. She may have some digestive issues that last a short time. These may include vomiting & diarrhea.
However, if your kitten has ingested a larger amount of baking soda, this can cause a major electrolyte imbalance in her body. This is because baking soda increases the sodium while decreasing the potassium and calcium in the kitten’s body.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Baking Soda Ingestion in Kittens
You may notice these symptoms if your kitten has eaten baking soda:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Disorientation
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Increased thirst
- Signs of dehydration
If you notice any of these symptoms in your kitten, call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Treatment of Baking Soda Ingestion in Kittens
When you reach the vet’s, they will perform a complete physical exam of the kitten. This will include lab work and possibly images (such as x-rays or a CT scan). The vet will be checking your kitten’s organs for any damage.
Treatment will depend on the vet’s diagnosis and your kitten’s symptoms. The vet will give your kitten medications needed to treat any problems with her organs and to treat symptoms as they arise. This may mean that your fur baby will probably require an IV. She may also have to spend some time hospitalized to make sure she’s stable and OK before coming home.
In most cases, kittens who receive prompt medical care after eating baking soda will make a complete recovery.
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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