Cat Urine in Ficus Soil: Acidification Risk & Remediation

Occasional cat urine = no harm. Repeated use as litter box = soil acidification → eventual death.

Remediation for Concentrated Urine

1. Flush soil: Take tree outdoors. Run clear water through pot for several minutes.
2. Add horticultural lime: Sprinkle 1–2 tbsp on soil surface, water in. Neutralizes acidity.
3. Prevent recurrence: Cover soil with large river rocks, pine cones, or commercial cat deterrent mat.
4. Provide alternative: Clean litter box in accessible location.

Monitoring

Watch for yellowing, stunted growth, leaf drop over following weeks. If decline continues, repot in fresh soil (spring best).

Ficus is resilient. One accident is trivial; chronic exposure is fatal.