While you have LOTS of suggestions here, there is one that I haven't seen yet. Cats tend to find the smell of pine (evergreens in general) unpleasant. Not all cats are offended by it, which is why many climb christmas trees and others use pine based litters, but it is something to try. I'm assuming that if the same plant gets knocked over again and again this pot must be on a preferred path to someplace. Have you tried making the destination windowsill, squishy place to sleep, interesting smells, snacks) unattractive? What about moving the pot? As for climbing, cats prefer high places. They do not limit themselves to a horizontal plane like humans and dogs tend to do. The higher the better in most cats' opinions. You might try adding appropriate vantage points in your home so your cat doesn't see the ficus as the best view. Even a couple empty or sparsly decorated shelves might work, as long as kitty has clear access and space to make himself comfortable. You might try planting a patch of catnip for your cat to enjoy as an alternative to playing in your other plants. In my experience, cats can obsess over a pot of catnip, so you might only put it within access at night or when you're out of the house (whenever plant terrorism is most prevalent). Else, be prepared for continual feline attention on the catnip and have more pots growing in reserve. (Your cat may not develop the addictive tendencies mine showed, but it's a risk!) I assume since you said kitty does not dig in either pot, just knocks it over or climbs, that he is not using your plants as a litterbox? If he is pottying there, keep the appropriate litterbox absolutely spotless for a few weeks. Maybe even add another box or two as an enticement. Cats like to keep clean, and the litterbox is no exception. If it's too dirty for their taste they will go elsewhere. It may be that some cats prefer plant pots because we clean up after them as soon as we know it's there! Try placing attractive smells elsewhere. I've had luck in the past with pineapple juice. Just make sure it's something your cat finds wonderful, and that it's placed on something you do not mind your cat rubbing against or clawing. I strongly suggest you do not use the scent of other cats (or any animal), as it may encourage your cat to mark territory by spraying, urinating or defecating. Like someone mentioned earlier, wear your cat out! Lots of playtime, lots of human snuggle time... whatever your cat will agree to engage in. Lexie PS-I'm a fourth year animal behavior student; all of these ideas are adapted from a behavior course I had recently. Here is a link that might be useful: Humane Society of the United States Feline Behavior Modification Suggestions

I keep mine in indirect light, keep it moist at all times. Never overwater. Hope that helps a little. They dont like the heat.

Rather than sand for drainage, try something more like small gravel in size. There are ceramic soil conditioners you can buy. Schulz has a version that I have bought at Ace hardware that is pricey, but has worked for me. I've also used the gravel you can buy that comes in tube-shaped sacks for weighing down your pick up in the winter in the snow. I don't have a large number of options here in small town SD with no pick up for hauling. Maybe you don't have these problems where you are. Anyway, Draceanas need drainage, that's large air spaces in the dirt, for sure. Also, have you checked for soil mealybugs? They look like tiny yellow or white dots in the soil about sand size mostly around the roots. I had those in a gift dracaena and it got the dry leaves like those you describe in your larger plant, but not yellow ones. I ended up topping the plant and re-rooting it in new mix in a clean pot. I tossed the bottom.

that's actually a very good idea to break the bottom off, though if you think I chose a pot too big then I might just swap the whole thing out. I probably doubled the size of the pot it was in before. i'm using an African violet mix right now. I tend to just use whatever I can get in a bag because i'm lazy, but that would probably be for the best to do a perlite mix. So you think the dropping leaves is due to the moisture in the soil then?