Cat's Eye View @ MPL: Burp!!!

Friday, December 30, 2011

Burp!!!

Today (December 30) is National Bicarbonate of Soda Day. I kid you not. How do you use baking soda? Here are some suggestions, by order of importance.

Deodorizes kitty litter
Absorbs odors in refrigerators, closets, storage areas, and cabinets
Works as a human toothpaste
Relieves human indigestion
An ingredient in kitchen fire extinguishers
Assists baked goods in "rising"
Tenderizing meats
Reduces flatulence when cooked in water with beans
Removes burned food from utensils
Works as a cleanser
Polishes silverware

. . . plus a plethora of other applications.

Obviously, cat litterbox odor reduction is a critical utilization of bicarbonate of soda. It works pretty well, too! I don't want to get into brand promotion, so suffice to say that any old baking soda will do the trick. If your litter doesn't already include bicarbonate of soda in its ingredients list, or even if it does, you may wish to supplement what's there (or add what isn't) by liberally sprinkling and mixing some baking soda into the cat litter with each changing.

Are there any health risks for felines using litter that contains baking soda? One manufacturer says it's safe for pets, but there's a clear vested interest present, so we'd like to see some neutral scientific studies, if you please. Cornell University has conducted research in the effects of bicarbonate of soda on plants (primarily as a fungicide), but its studies apparently didn't involve animals. Since bicarbonate of soda fizzles when it becomes wet, this could annoy your kitties, who might then choose not to use the litterbox. It's best to experiment with "regular" litter boxes as controls, introducing baking soda-treated boxes gradually, to determine how your cats will react.

How will you put baking soda to use to celebrate today's "holiday"? Just be sure to follow directions carefully.

Baking Soda Works as a Human Deodorant, Too--Just Saying, Scowl-Face,

Cauli Le Chat

MPL Roving Reporter

Holiday News Beat