Does Baking Soda Kill Fleas on Cats?

Cat parents often Google hacks, such as baking soda, but do they actually work?

Whether that be while scrolling TikTok or stumbling upon it on some pet forums, it is a common remedy everywhere throughout the internet. It sounds like a real miracle - a cheap, natural ingredient which is already in your kitchen.

However, there is a larger picture to consider regarding how baking soda works and how your cats would react to it. In this article, we will debunk this myth and answer the question: "Does baking soda kill fleas on cats?" We will also offer other safer vet-approved options, including Furlife's Cat Flea products!

Why Cat-Specific Info Matters

Cats have a unique biology, which is entirely different than that of dogs or human biology. This biology makes them more vulnerable to home remedies, making the chance of things going south very possible. 

Some of these unique biological traits are:

• Sensitive skin - Even a mild powder, such as baking soda, can irritate the skin.

• Constant grooming - Anything applied on a cat's fur is likely to be licked, which can lead to toxicosis.

• Inhalation risk - Since it is a powder, baking soda can irritate a cat's respiratory system if it is inhaled.

PetMD states that baking soda is neither safe nor an effective flea treatment for cats. There is no scientific evidence that baking soda repels or kills fleas.

The Baking Soda Myth Deconstructed

So, where did this idea come from?

The most logical idea is that it originates from old DIY household cleaning hacks on the internet. Baking soda is one of the most common pantry items used for cleaning, either by itself or in combination with other ingredients, such as lemons.

Regarding flea control, most DIY household cleaning hacks combine salt with a spray and apply it to carpets and flooring to "dry the fleas out. The reality is that this doesn't work, and it doesn't work if it is applied to cats. The effect might be minimal, and it hasn't been proved scientifically.

What do the experts say about baking soda?

• GreenPestSolution states that there are minimal to no results. Spraying your cat with baking soda doesn't affect the fleas at all, but combining it with salt and spraying it on carpets can show some minimal results.  

• On the other hand, Rentakill emphasizes that there is no proven efficacy and warns about the side effects.

• PetMD notes that there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of baking soda against fleas.

Disclaimer! Using baking soda with salt on carpeting may lead to accidental inhalation and respiratory distress in your pet. If you plan to use that hack, be sure to keep your cat in a separate room and vacuum thoroughly.

Understanding Flea Biology (Life Cycle)

Understanding the biology of fleas is crucial for effectively dealing with them. Fleas have a four-stage life cycle, which needs to be individually targeted to get rid of them entirely:

• Eggs - they are hatched onto the cat's fur, but drop into the environment.

• Larvae - they hide in bedding, carpets, cracks, and feed on organic matter

• Pupae - the cocoon state, where the larvae mature into the adult

• Adult - the hatch from the pupa when they sense vibrations and heat, and seek a host to feed on.

Baking soda does nothing in eliminating eggs, larvae, or pupae, and at best, it irritates adult fleas. Real flea treatment means using vet-approved products which target all stages without being harmful to your cat!

Safe & Effective Cat Flea Control (Vet-Recommended)

Instead of baking soda, there are safer, proven strategies for getting rid of fleas.

Prescription Flea Preventives

Vet-approved treatments like Furlife products are specifically made for cats. They kill fleas fast by interrupting their life cycle. Aside from fleas, they offer protection against ticks, mites, and other exoparasites (depending on the brand).

The advantages of these treatments are that they are easy to use, can last up to a year, and are highly effective from the moment they are applied to your cat.

Bathing & Flea Combing

If you are fostering a kitten or are lucky enough to have a cooperating adult cat, another effective tactic for getting rid of fleas is bathing them. This method of mechanically removing fleas is effective only on adult fleas, as eggs and larvae are very small and often go unnoticed.

There are special shampoos which kill fleas, but in emergencies, Dawn dish soap can be a good alternative. After the bath, combing the cat will catch all the dead fleas that didn't get rinsed off.

Environmental Control

Taking care of your household is also an essential part of combating fleas. Almost all of the eggs and larvae hide in furniture or carpets, while the adults linger on your cat.

Some hygienic habits to implement in fighting against fleas at home are:

• Vacuuming daily and throwing the bag

• Washing both yours and the cats' bedding in hot water

• Steam cleaning furniture once a week

• Using FurLife's environmental spray after finishing cleaning up.

Steer clear of using other DIY items like coconut oil or tea tree oil. They can be very harmful to cats due to their higher sensitivity compared to dogs. 

Where Furlife Products Fit In

Why Furlife? Furlife offers a full lineup of treatments specially designed for cats, which fight against both fleas and ticks. Our products are based on natural ingredients, essential oils such as Rosemary or Cedarwood Oil.

The full lineup concludes topical solutions, collars, and environmental sprays, which are developed by veterinarians and scientists working together. They target all stages of the life cycle, yet remain gentle on your pet. It is easy to use and has a longevity up to a year, making it an even better alternative compared to baking soda and other DIY “remedies”.

DIY Tips That Help (Without False Claims)

If you get peace of mind by going hands-on care instead of waiting for the product to show results, there are a few actions that you can take. First, put the baking soda back in the pantry and:

• Vacuum daily

• Wash bedding with hot water

• Comb your cat daily

• Use FurLifes environmental spray on the carpet and furniture

These steps don't stop an infestation on their own, but they support the process safely and make it go a little faster.

Cat Parent FAQ

Does adding baking soda to cat bath help? 

No. Baking soda doesn't kill fleas. Because a cat's skin is very sensitive, adding it to a bath can irritate their skin. Use a vet-approved shampoo; if you don't have one, Dawn dish soap can serve as an emergency alternative. 

Is it safe to sprinkle baking soda on cat fur? 

No - baking soda isn't meant to be used on animals. It can be inhaled or ingested, which can lead to digestive issues or an irritated respiratory system.

What should I do if fleas persist?

That could mean that there are still eggs and larvae in the cat's environment. By cleaning consistently and using Furlife's comprehensive protection system, your pet can be flea-free in just a few weeks.

How long to eliminate fleas? 

Using a comprehensive flea treatment, which includes medication, environmental control, and daily monitoring, yields results in approximately 8-12 weeks.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, we can state that baking soda doesn't kill fleas on cats and doesn't affect all life stages, including eggs and larvae. Worse is that it can irritate your cat's skin or lungs.

There are no natural treatments that completely deter and kill fleas, because if they were, everyone would be using them instead of consulting veterinarians. Veterinarians offer small but significant lifestyle and habit changes that, combined with the right tool, make beating fleas safe.

Ready to ditch the myths and get rid of fleas for real? Hop onto our Cat Flea Products Collection and choose the right product today!