Cat possession modified endlessly when kitty litter was invented in 1947. You didn’t should let the household pet exterior to do their enterprise anymore which was a reduction for a lot of pet homeowners. Absorbent clay did the job, however it raised different points, particularly, odors coming from the field. Nonetheless, the trade continues to thrive, with specialists forecasting it to succeed in $1.6 billion by 2025.
Ed Lowe’s firm, Tidy Cat, was the primary to introduce scoopable litter onto the market. That helped with odor management to some extent as dirty litter clumped collectively making it straightforward to take away with out having to vary the entire litter tray. Nonetheless, many individuals have reached for an previous staple that’s been round since 1846; baking soda. You might marvel if it’s protected to make use of. Contemplating you should use it as a toothpaste, hair conditioner, and antacid, we will guarantee you it’s protected and efficient to make use of baking soda in your cat’s litter tray, in small quantities.
The Discovery of Baking Soda and Its Makes use of
Whereas different chemists had found sodium bicarbonate earlier, John Dwight and Austin Church made it a industrial baking product. The corporate modified its identify to the acquainted Arm & Hammer in 1867. It didn’t take lengthy for folks to search out different makes use of for the chemical compound, notably for private care. Baking was solely the beginning.
It’s price noting that the producer additionally aligned itself with nature and its “Stunning Birds of America” buying and selling playing cards. This affiliation reinforces its security. The corporate capitalized on its different makes use of and ventured into totally different market segments, akin to laundry detergent and a deodorizer on your fridge and freezer. It lastly made it to the pet market within the Eighties with Arm & Hammer Cat Litter merchandise.
How Baking Soda Works
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate has a pH of 9.0, making it an alkaline substance. The pH of regular, wholesome cat urine is between 6.3–6.6. The concept for utilizing baking soda in a litter field is the speculation it would neutralize the foul-smelling and extremely acidic urine odor. That’s the identical precept with different makes use of, akin to carpet deodorizers and placing a field of it within the fridge to take away odors.
Learn how to Use Baking Soda in a Litter Field
Baking soda has many makes use of within the residence and is an inexpensive different to many cleansing merchandise. It’s notably efficient when mixed with white vinegar, and this mix can be utilized to wash your cat’s litter tray. Baking soda doesn’t have an odor, however it has a foul style that your cat received’t like. All it’s essential to do is combine a couple of tablespoons into the litter.
The Dangers of Utilizing Baking Soda
Baking soda is among the most versatile substances you’ll discover. You should use it for absolutely anything, from soothing an upset abdomen to placing out fires. Nonetheless, all the pieces has dangers. The negatives with it embody mud, which will be irritating if inhaled. Paradoxically, one of many causes pet homeowners use clumping litter is to reduce mud. Baking soda simply provides to the issue.
It’s unlikely any cat would ingest it, however baking soda could cause toxicity if eaten in massive portions. Toxicosis could also be seen with ingestion of 10-20 g/kg of physique weight. This equates to roughly 2-4 teaspoons per kg of physique weight. With only some teaspoons of baking soda in a litter field, this degree of ingestion may be very unlikely.
The ultimate danger is the increased amount of ammonia gas produced when the pH is elevated. Urea in urine is was ammonia gasoline by micro organism and the speed of ammonia manufacturing could also be greater when the pH is elevated through the use of baking soda. Extra analysis is required on this space.
Remaining Ideas
Baking soda is a protected additive to make use of in your cat’s litter for neutralizing acid and its odors. It doesn’t pose any important dangers if used this fashion. Nonetheless, it is best to use only some tablespoons at most. We additionally counsel storing the container out of attain of kittens and young children. The first points exist with unintended ingestion and never on a regular basis use.
Featured Picture Credit score: NatureFriend, Pixabay
