Q: I can find no reliable repellent for cats. Other than building a greenhouse, how can I keep cats from using my garden as a litter box?

A: I’ve had a lot of fun with a gizmo called The Scarecrow (www.contech-inc.com). It is a motion-activated lawn sprinkler that makes noise and sprays water when triggered by a passing animal, like a cat, dog or deer. The Havahart Spray Away is a similar item (www.havahart.com). Set one up near your beds and watch the cats scat!