Question
Help! I just found out our new cat has been using some of my larger houseplants as litter boxes! Is there any hope? Do i need to repot? Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Sara,

No need to panic, especially if the plants are not showing any signs of damage.

Cat urine is potentially damaging to plants because it is acidic, lowers the soil pH, and prevents essential nutrients from being absorbed by the roots.

The antidote is to flush lots of limewater through the soil to wash out the urine and to raise the soil pH. Mix a half cup of horticultural lime to a gallon of water to make the limewater. This will also help eliminate any odor.

Now, what will you do to keep this from happening in the future? That is a pet question, not a plant question.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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