Every cat owner wants a litter tray that doesn’t stink. This sounds good, but for a more natural flow, you might consider changing “keep the air fresh” to “keep the smell at bay” as it’s slightly more colloquial.
Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda, is a cheap, easy-to-find solution that many people already have at home. It’s great for cleaning, but is it safe for your cat?
While people have different opinions, the short answer is yes, baking soda can be safe if you use it carefully. This guide will explain the science, safety tips, and why new options like olive pit litter might be a better choice for your home.
To see why baking soda is a popular litter additive, it helps to look at the chemistry. Cat urine smells strong mostly because of ammonia, which is acidic.
Baking soda works as a neutraliser. Since it is a base, it doesn’t just cover up smells with scents. It actually neutralises acidic odours, such as ammonia, as soon as they come into contact. This helps stop the smell from spreading through your home.
The result is a litter tray that stays fresher for longer, without the strong floral scents of sprays that many cats dislike.
This is the most important question. Baking soda is non-toxic and found in many cleaners and litter, but it still has some risks.
Cats are fastidious groomers. If they step into a tray of loose baking soda, it clings to their paws. Later, when they groom, they may ingest that powder.
In small, controlled amounts, this is usually low risk. However, baking soda can be toxic to cats in large quantities. Excessive ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal upset, electrolyte imbalances, or other digestive problems.
This is an important point that people often miss. Baking soda is a fine powder, so when a cat digs or scratches in the tray, the dust can rise into the air.
For healthy cats, this might just cause a sneeze. But for cats with asthma or respiratory sensitivities, the dust can irritate their lungs and breathing passages. If you notice your cat sneezing or coughing after using the tray, stop using the powder immediately.
Sometimes, touching a lot of baking soda can irritate a cat’s sensitive paw pads. If your cat avoids the litter tray or licks their paws too much, it might be reacting to the litter.
Many people confuse baking powder with baking soda, but this can be dangerous. Never use baking powder in your cat’s litter.
The added acids and ingredients in baking powder increase the risk of toxicity if ingested. Ignore any myths suggesting they are interchangeable; only pure baking soda suits this role.
If you choose to use baking soda, moderation and method are essential to ensure safety.
The “Mix-In” Method (Recommended)
The safest way to add baking soda is during a full litter change.
Read: How to Clean a Litter Box
Mixing it in reduces the likelihood of the powder coating your cat’s paws, significantly lowering the risk of ingestion during grooming.
The “Sprinkle” Method (Use with Caution)
Some owners prefer to sprinkle a thin layer of litter on top after every scoop to refresh the scent. While this helps absorb odours between deep cleans, it increases surface exposure. If you use this method, use a very small amount and monitor your cat closely for any signs of tracking or sneezing.
While baking soda is a functional hack, it is ultimately an additive we use to boost the performance of clay or wood litter. But what if the litter itself naturally eliminates odours? Enter modern natural litters, like those made from olive pits, such as the OliveScoop Cat Litter.
Olive pits are unique in their ability to control odours due to their porous structure. These tiny pores effectively trap odour molecules, preventing them from escaping into the air. It’s akin to breathing the refreshing, clean air of a mountain breeze rather than the stale, suffocating dust of an attic. This mechanism differs from clay, which tends to absorb moisture rather than just trap odours.
Natural Deodorising: Thanks to their porous nature, olive pits have a natural aroma and structure that help control odour without the need for extra powders.
If you are unsure about the safety of mixing chemicals-even natural ones- into your cat’s environment, switching to a litter designed for odour control is often the safer, more effective choice.
Adding baking soda is most effective as a support measure, not a cure-all. It never replaces good hygiene habits.
A: Rarely, but yes. In high concentrations, baking soda can cause dryness or irritation on sensitive paw pads. If you see your cat over-grooming their feet, discontinue use immediately.
A: Use moderation. About 1 tablespoon per tray, thoroughly mixed into the litter, is generally considered safe and effective.
A: No. You should strictly avoid baking powder. It contains added acids and ingredients that increase the risk of toxicity if ingested.
A: Small traces from grooming are usually low risk. However, if your cat ingests a large amount, it can cause electrolyte imbalances and stomach upset. Contact your vet if you suspect significant ingestion.
A: It works with most, but results vary. It is highly effective with clay, but some modern clumping litters (like olive or corn) may already have superior odour control, making baking soda unnecessary.
A: Yes, activated carbon (charcoal) is a safe alternative that absorbs odours effectively without some of the pH risks associated with baking soda.
Baking soda and cat litter can coexist peacefully if you exercise restraint. It is an affordable, accessible tool for many households. However, your cat’s comfort must always lead the way. If they show signs of avoidance, stress, or irritation, remove the additive immediately.
Whether you choose the DIY baking-soda route or upgrade to a specialised olive-pit litter, a consistent cleaning routine is the true secret to a fresh home.
Ready to Upgrade Your Litter Experience?
Tired of guessing about safety? Switch to our premium Olive Pit Litter today. It naturally locks away odours without the dust or additives. Don’t wait until allergy season worsens the air quality in your home. Secure a cleaner and healthier environment for your cat now by making the switch.
