Question
hi there, thanks for being there to ask this question.  well im having some problems with my cats peeing in my houseplant pots! its making me crazy and i was wondering if you had any suggestions as to something i could put in the soil that will keep them out? any advice would be much appreciated. thank you.

Answer
Hi Holly,

This is really a question that is best answered by a cat expert because it has to do with your cats' behvior, not with the plants.

I can say that urine of any kind is bad for plants because it raises the acidity of the soil. You should add some horticultural lime to the urinated soil to decrease the acidity of that soil. The lime may also eliminate the urine odor and help keep the cats from returning.

You might try to cover the soil of the problem plants with rough decorative rock. Foil and waxed paper are less-attractive deterrents.  Another possibility: there is a product called Sticky Paws that you get information about at http://www.stickypaws.com/productsSPP.cfm

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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