
If you can identify the areas most frequented, you can repair the soil by removing the compromised material and adding new soil appropriate for the plants you are growing. Cat urine is highly acidic. Some resources suggest neutralizing any remaining acidity still in the soil with hydrated lime and thoroughly mixing it into the soil.
How to neutralize cat urine in soil?
Not only does it not smell great, but cat urine can also change the balance of the pH in the soil and could damage your plants and flowers. Well, help is on hand. In this guide we will take you through all you need to know to neutralize cat urine in soil. Firstly, rinse the soil out thoroughly so that the water flushes right through.
How to keep cats from peeing in the garden?
The sprinkler system will not only dissolve the urine from the garden areas but will also deter cats from urinating in the garden soil. The water will also mix with the urine and dilute it until the mixture gradually seeps through the layers of the soil.
Is cat urine damaging your plants?
Not only does it not smell great, but cat urine can also change the balance of the pH in the soil and could damage your plants and flowers. Well, help is on hand.
Does cat urine affect soil pH?
Not only does it not smell great, but cat urine can also change the balance of the pH in the soil and could damage your plants and flowers. Well, help is on hand. In this guide we will take you through all you need to know to neutralize cat urine in soil.

How do you neutralize cat urine in soil?
Cat urine is highly acidic. Some resources suggest neutralizing any remaining acidity still in the soil with hydrated lime and thoroughly mixing it into the soil. Once you remove the urine-marked soil, the cats will return and want to refresh their territory.
Does cat pee damage soil?
Cat pee can kill your plants if there is too much of it. The cat pee contains urea that will act as a fertilizer and release nitrogen into the soil. But too much of it will cause fertilizer burn. The pee will also contain salt that will build up in the soil and cause dehydration in the plant.
Does vinegar break down cat urine?
Vinegar, while a bit smelly itself, works to remove the lasting odor of sprayed cat urine because vinegar is an acid that neutralizes the alkaline salts that form in dried urine stains. A solution of one part water and one part vinegar can be used to clean walls and floors.
How long does cat poop take to decompose in soil?
While clay and silica cat litter don't decompose, biodegradable ones do. The whole process usually takes at least one year if no heat is applied. In the presence of heat, it can take mere months.
Why is my cat peeing in my potted plants?
Causes of cat peeing in plants This includes materials like dirt, sand, or other soft surfaces cats can easily move with their paws before and after relieving themselves. Cats also like the outdoors, and plants remind them of their preferred setting, so plants are obvious targets for them to get back to nature.
What enzyme breaks down cat urine?
The enzymes contained in pet urine cleaners include protease, lipase, amylase, cellulase and uriase. Bacteria produce these enzymes to help them break down the urine into chemicals which they can digest.
How long does it take for cat urine to fade?
Effectively, cat urine odour can last forever. It's one of the most persistent smells imaginable, with a way of hanging around no matter how much you try to scrub the stain or cover up the offending smell with air fresheners or pot-pourri.
Does hydrogen peroxide neutralize cat urine?
You can use hydrogen-peroxide right after using the vinegar and water solution to further eliminate the odor. Hydrogen-peroxide is best for hardwood floors suffering from cat urine smells but also works for carpets, couches, and even clothing.
Is cat poop and pee good for plants?
The feces and urine from the cats contain microbes and parasites that are unsanitary for vegetable growth. If the garden box is small, remove all the soil, really ALL the soil and replace it with clean soil.
Does cat poop break down in soil?
Most of us know that animal manure can act as a great fertilizer for crops. This is mainly due to its nitrogen content, a beneficial nutrient for soil. That said, pet parents should think twice before attempting to compost their pet's feces. Find out why composting cat poop isn't generally recommended.
Does cat poop damage soil?
Cat "manure" is dangerous for the gardener. Though there's not much harm done to the soil chemistry if your garden becomes your cat's bathroom, cat poop can contaminate soil with disease. So don't leave it in your garden.
Can you plant a garden where cats have pooped?
Expert Response. It's ok to grow and eat food from the garden where cats have littered BUT you'll want to wash low-growing leafy greens and root crops very well. Consider that as mammals and carnivores, cats manure can have pathogens similar or identical to pathogens that can affect humans.
How to neutralize cat urine in garden?
They could be removed or neutralized. So, how to neutralize cat urine in garden soil? Home remedies such as vinegar or orange peels work wonders at removing the smell and stopping cats from urinating near that spot in the future.
What is the best way to get rid of cat urine in lawn?
Sprinkler system: Water is the safest and cheapest resource available for getting rid of cat urine from turfs and soil. When you use water for this purpose, you can be fully sure it is not going to cause any harm to the pets in the vicinity.
How to get cat urine smell out of fabric?
A very good way of getting rid of a cat’s urine and its smell from rugs, carpets and fabric is to use enzyme cleaners for pet urine. They do not only remove the urine odor but also adds a fresh, lemony scent to the fabric, unlike the harsh smell of soap or detergent wash. Cleaning fabric to remove the urine smell is much easier than removing smell ...
Why does my cat's urine smell bad?
Bleach: Cemented surfaces around garden areas are porous, so when cats urinate on such surfaces, the urine seeps through into the deeper layers. If urine is left to dry, the cement gets discolored and starts smelling terrible.
Why does my cat's urine stain?
This is because of the uric acid present in the cat’s urine that dissolves through the chlorophyll in plants. If there are cemented areas around your garden or wooden ornaments, they might have stains of urine left on them.
How to get rid of cat urine smell in garden?
Some effective ways on how to neutralize cat urine in garden soil could be by using simple home remedies. Using food items that have mild acid in them, like vinegar, lemons or oranges could work wonders. These items remove the odor and also deter cats from peeing near that spot again.
What is the best product to remove cat urine odor?
Some products like ODORx Un-Duz-It or Angry Orange Ready-to-Use Citrus Pet Odor Eliminator are well-known for removing the cat urine odor. After they dry off, they leave a sweet scenting or lemony odor behind.
How to get rid of cat urine in potting soil?
Cat urine leaves alkaline salts and nitrogen in the soil, which damages the plant's roots. The best way to remove the salts is to leach them out with plenty of water. The excess water must be able to drain completely from the potting soil in order to flush out the salts.
Why do cats pee in houseplants?
Cats like to urinate in houseplants because the soil is usually soft and moist. The smell of the ammonia in the urine isn't appealing to the noses of most homeowners and so the soil must be cleansed of the stench. The soil can be cleansed of the urine by rinsing it with water and some white vinegar, but a control method should be put in place ...
How to keep a cat from eating my flower pot?
Place the plant in the sink, or if it's in a large pot, outside in a shady, sheltered area. Fill the flowerpot to the rim with fresh water, then leave the faucet or hose dribbling slowly over the soil for approximately one hour. You can also add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the water in the top of the pot to help cut the stench of ammonia and discourage repeat performances by the cat.
How to keep a cat from peeing in a pot?
Cover the surface of the soil with large rocks to keep the cat from urinating in the pot again. Keep the cat's litter box clean and fresh so the cat doesn't go looking for planting pots.
How to get rid of ammonia buildup in soil?
Add a capful of white vinegar to the surface of the soil while the water is running to counteract and neutralize the ammonia buildup in the soil. Rinse the soil for another hour.
How to get salt smell out of flower pot?
If the smell doesn't dissipate or the plant is showing signs of salt damage, repotting is a viable alternative. Prepare a new flowerpot or carefully slide the plant with its root ball out of the pot. Scrub the old or recycled flowerpot with a brush and dishwashing liquid and sterilize by dipping the entire pot into a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach and 9 parts water. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry .
What is cat urine soaked soil?
Urine-soaked soil is a whole other animal compared to pee-saturated fabric, tile or carpeting that has been previously marked. To neutralize the cat urine in soil odor, you may need to try a few things to find what works best for you as well as your four-legged friends. There are a few simple tricks in order to get rid of ...
What to put on cat paws to keep them from peeing?
The oils in the citrus may deter the feline from returning to that spot to urinate. Sprinkling cayenne pepper on the area will keep the cat from returning after a few applications. They won't like the scent or the traces of the hot pepper on their paws.
Why does my cat spray my yard?
If the smell is rather heavy and penetrating, your cat or neighborhood cats could be spraying your yard. If it's your cat, it could be that you moved locations or moved furniture around, causing the furry friend to become stressed and lose its cool as well as bladder. If you have an unneutered feline friend in the home, ...
How to get rid of smell in soil?
For serious scent issues, sprinkle baking soda directly on the soiled soil. A mix of one tablespoon of baking soda and 24 ounces of water in a spray bottle can be a good odor reducer when sprayed directly on the soiled spot. Advertisement.
What happens if you have an unneutered cat?
If you have an unneutered feline friend in the home, it could be inadvertently attracting other cats to come and release inappropriately in your yard. A vet can assist you with curbing your cat's overactive bladder and inappropriate spraying around the house.
How to get rid of urine smell in yard?
Washing the area with water on a daily basis will cut down on the urine smell. This will wash away urine before it can harden and crystalize into the soil, making it harder to get out. If you have night visitors of the four-legged variety, spray down the outdoor area in the morning.
Can cats use rhododendron markers indoors?
They can be used indoors on plants as well if you have an indoor cat who has a knack for marking rhododendrons and other leafy greens in the living room. They are long lasting and tend to either work well quickly or not at all, so be prepared to try a few before you find the right one that works for you and your cat.
How does cat urine affect plants?
Cat urine can ruin the soil in your plants by altering the pH balance, and it leaves behind an unpleasant odor in your house. Save your plants by flushing the urine out with water, and restore the pH balance in the soil. Advertisement.
How to keep cats from peeing on plants?
1 cup baking soda. Spray bottle. Pruning shears. Potting soil. Save your potted plants from cat urine by making the pot unpleasant for your cat. If you have noticed that cats have been using your houseplants as a place to relieve themselves, you will need to take precautions to save your plants. Cat urine can ruin the soil in your plants by ...
How to get rid of odor from plants?
Combine 1 cup of baking soda with 2 cups of water. Stir the solution until the baking soda dissolves into the water, and then pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the plants with the baking soda solution. This will help to absorb any lingering odor.
How to repot a sage plant?
Repot the plant with new soil if the plant does not seem to be thriving after one to two weeks. Carefully remove the plant from the pot and throw out the soil. Clean the pot out thoroughly, and then add new soil to the pot. Make sure you use a pot with adequate drainage holes. Fill a spray bottle with water.
How to get cat urine smell out of houseplants?
If you have a small houseplant, take it to the kitchen and use the sink sprayer to water it until the water washes through the soil to remove the cat urine.
How long does it take for a sage plant to dry?
Do not water the plant until the soils dries, which can take anywhere from one to two weeks. Advertisement.
What to do when excrement is in garden soil?
The first thing to do when sanitizing garden soil due to pet excrement is to remove the poop. This seems elemental, but I cannot tell you how many people don’t scoop their pets’ poop. Next, plant cover crops, such as bluegrass or red clover, and allow to grow for a season.
Can you cover a garden with plastic?
If you choose not to grow a cover crop, then at least allow the soil to remain fallow for a year. You may also wish to cover the garden area with black plastic, which will become super-heated during the heat of the summer and kill off any nasty bacterium.
Can you sterilize soil for planting?
Whether or not to sterilize soil for planting is rather a matter of how long ago the pets were using the garden as a bathroom. If, for instance, you have moved into a home where the previous owner was known to have dogs, it would be a good idea to remove any remaining pet feces from the garden and then allow it to lay fallow for a growing season ...
Can Fido defecate in the garden?
The difference between Fido and you is that Fido may, and probably does , think it’s perfectly okay to defecate in the garden.
Can you put dog poop in soil?
Cat or Dog Poop in Soil. Yes, many gardeners amend their soil with nutrient rich manure, but the difference between putting pet feces in the garden and spreading some steer manure is huge. Manures used in gardens are either treated so they are pathogen free (sterile) or have been composted and heated to kill off any pathogens.
How to get rid of dog urine smell in soil?
To neutralize dog urine odor in soil, writers from Pet Helpful suggest a homemade remedy. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 4 cups of water in a spray bottle, shake well and spray onto the brown spots. You can substitute lemon juice or vinegar for the baking soda, and try that instead if you like.
What to do if your dog is causing a lot of urine?
If your own dog is the culprit, encourage it to drink more water. While that may sound counterproductive, it will dilute the salt and nitrogen in its urine.
Why is my dog peeing on my lawn?
How to Repair Soil Where Dogs Urinated. Yellow and brown patches on lawns can be caused by insects, diseases, drought and yes, dog urine. Fortunately, urine-soaked soil can be treated and repaired, but you’ll also need to change the dog’s habit of urinating on your lawn to avoid the need for continued treatment.
How to fix brown spots on grass?
You can fix larger spots by filling a bucket with soil and some grass seed.
Can dogs urine be acidic?
Depending on the dog , the urine could be acidic or alkaline. Experts from HumicGreen explain that if the soil is acidic (low pH), and a dog's urine is basic (high pH), its urine won't actually harm your soil from a pH perspective, since the pH values will cancel each other out.
Can acidic soil damage dogs?
Acidic soils may be less susceptible to damage, although the jury is still out on that one. In any case, this does not mean that damaged spots will not appear. They might just take longer to make their presence known. Also, since female dogs squat instead of standing to urinate, when they do their business, the amount of urine could be higher in specific areas.
Is pet urine acidic?
However, not all soil is acidic, and not all pet urine is basic; each runs the gamut based on location (for soil), your pet and its diet.

Step 1 – Removing The Existing Urine from The Soil
- Wash the soil out with water The first step is to try to remove as much of the urine as possible. That will help firstly with removing the smell, but more importantly, it will flush the urine through the soil. Firstly take your houseplant outdoors. Then use a hose or watering can to water the top …
Step 2 – Taking Preventative Measures
- Urine removed, the next step is to make sure that your cat stays away from your plant in the future. There are a lot of tips and ideas going around online – some aren’t exactly cat friendly (such as putting disposable forks upright in the soil, or filling your plant pot with pine cones!) In fact, there are a lot of tips that include adding things to the soil that will deter your cat from payi…
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Neutralize Cat Urine in Soil
- How do I get my cat to stop urinating on my plants?
Try to put something directly on the surface of the soil that will deter your cat without harming it or the plant. Tinfoil is a good solution, as is a clear plastic cover. You can also buy cat repellant sprays. - How do I get the smell of cat urine off my plants?
You will need to completely rinse the plant from head to toe and wash out the soil in order to get rid of the smell. Then, neutralize any remaining smell by mixing one part baking soda to two parts water in order to make a spray. This should help take out the rest of the smell. If not, you will nee…
Conclusion
- It sure is annoying and a little smelly if your cat continues to urinate in your houseplant. Follow this guide in order to keep your plants healthy and smell-free!