Question
Hello James;
    There are many cats in my neighborhood, none of which are mine that are coming into my wire fenced yard. (chain link on one side). They climb the fences with ease and urinate on my young cedar trees all winter and in my flower beds in the summer. This year, three of the cedars are basically bald on one side but that isn't the issue I need to have addressed right now. My petunias grew beautifully every year until I lost my little dog last year. The cats didn't invade my property until this year and now I find that the urine is killing my already established petunias. Can I neutralize the soil and and still manage to revive the damaged plants or are they history? If I can save them, would you be so kind as to advise just how I must go about it. Thanking you in advance for your advice and requesting a remedy that will deter the cats from the get go so I don't have this dilemma every year. (Sorry, no I don't feel up to getting another dog just yet). ;)

Heather

Answer
Hi Heather, Have your pH checked.  It may be acidic from the urine and it can be raised with lime.  It may not be acidic and the plants may just be burned by contact with the urine, in which case, a repellent is the best choice.  There are a number of repellents on the market that will deter cats.  Check with your local independent garden center for one approved for use in your area.
If you'd like a mechanical solution, there is an impulse sprinkler available with a motion detector.  Any movement and the cat gets a bath. It works well on cats.  Jim