---
title: "Help! My monstera was thriving and had about 8 big leaves when I got…"
description: "Help! My monstera was thriving and had about 8 big leaves when I got it about 9 months ago. My cats got into it one day and damaged it pretty badly. It was…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/UeI834LBSHCioL8MwLcQxA/L3akdfTJthot6Goj4xpBVY"
community: "Monstera Maniacs"
author: "Aly"
published: "2025-01-18T23:38:51.968047Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/DAyj-8hL_ReZNVKXOEEMfNmHKE5bFMqhjIJW3Mibe_o/wiBL44qMTSWj3tJ7l-4IBg.webp?size=large"
---

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# Help! My monstera was thriving and had about 8 big leaves when I got…

_Posted by Aly on 2025-01-18_

Help!  
My monstera was thriving and had about 8 big leaves when I got it about 9 months ago. My cats got into it one day and damaged it pretty badly. It was already doing poorly on top of a cabinet in my kitchen and I believe I was overwatering and it was not getting enough sun. I’d removed the dying leaves, moved the plant, and water less frequently (it’s also out of reach from my cats) but it’s still not doing better. But also not worse…? It’s also growing crooked because of where I’ve put it. But anywhere lower and the cats can access it. Any help is appreciated 🌿❤️

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/DAyj-8hL_ReZNVKXOEEMfNmHKE5bFMqhjIJW3Mibe_o/wiBL44qMTSWj3tJ7l-4IBg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/DAyj-8hL_ReZNVKXOEEMfNmHKE5bFMqhjIJW3Mibe_o/l5CRHStESy-OWjEXxXO4Dg.webp?size=large)

## 5 comments

### c.cat commented on 2025-01-19

if you think it was overwatered, def repot it, and remove any rotted roots, and give a spray down with 1:1 water \& hydrogen peroxide. give it a chunky, well draining mix.  
(make sure to water it and let it drain OUTSIDE of the cache pot you have it in if you werent already doing that)

if you do lose some of the roots while repotting, downsize to a pot that is 1-2 inches bigger than the root ball to help avoid and prevent root rot. for future reference, this is also a good rule of thumb to go by when upsizing!

goodluck :)

#### Aly replied on 2025-01-20

Thank you so much! This taught me a lot! Fingers crossed! lol ❤️

#### c.cat replied on 2025-01-20

of course!!

### Sam commented on 2025-01-20

rip your monstera😭😭 good luck babe!!!!!

#### Aly replied on 2025-01-20

Right? Haha.

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