Deterring Cats from Garden Beds: Fencing, Repellents, and Health Risks

A gardener preparing beds finds neighborhood cats defecating in the soil. Fencing isn't an option; they want natural deterrents.

Expert Answer: Best deterrents are fencing or trapping (if legal). Repellents are unreliable and often prohibited in food-growing areas. Cat feces can carry toxoplasmosis. For details, see this guide and the book A Practical Guide to the Control of Feral Cats (Amazon/Lulu.com). Advocating against free-range cats is the long-term solution.