I have a potted P. Nigra that I' have had in a pot for the past 2 years. It did fine last winter, but this winter it is having a problem (a couple actually)

I cannot place it outdoors. It has to stay in the pot (too cold and ground frozen).

I have a cat that has been chewing on the lower leaves, I fear this may have led to some compacting of the soil. Also the dry conditions in the house (forced hot air) may have also contributed to the problems.

the plant has nearly totally defoliated. I am trying to keep it as comfortable as possible, I've managed to stop the compaction and am working on keeping the water more consistant. I do fear the almost total loss of foliage, though (95% I would estimate). The plant is in a 5 gal pot and should it make it through the winter I will repot it into a 10 gal or more pot....but that is likely months away.

Any ideas, bamboo people?

~Chills