Question
Hi Stephen -
You seem to be very well regarded!  How nice.  I hope you can help us as well.  We live in Richmond, VA and have spotted a grey fox a couple of times.  We have 2 indoor/outdoor cats.  There have been 4 cats in the neighborhood missing in the past few months.  Some have mentioned seeing a coyote - but I think more probable, that this fox I've seen may be the culprit.  We live in an old established part of town, with large acre plus lots and a lake in the neighborhood.  Deer passing through the yard are not uncommon.  The Animal Control people say that you can't trap and relocate a fox - you must kill it.  How sad.  Are there other options?  Rescue groups?  We, of course put our cats' safety first, but I would like to make sure there are no other options before having to take this poor soul's life.
Thank you for your guidance.

Answer
Well, I appreciate the compliment. I can assure you that most people do not take my advice well. I am afraid, your reaction to what I have to say will most likely be similar. Unfortunately, people ask for specific solutions that just don't exist and likely never could.

First, translocation of wildlife is a bad idea even if it was legal in your state. To learn why visit http://www.icwdm.org/wildlife/euthanasia/relocation.asp

Second, you could be right, the gray fox could be the predator of the cats, but don't rule out the coyote either. It doesn't have to be an either or proposition.

Third, the easiest and most humane solution to the cat loss issue is for people not to let their cats roam free. The environment would be grateful and owners of cats would be less exposed to potential diseases carried in by the cats and the cats would live longer.

Fourth, if that is not acceptable, then the next solution is to fence your yard to keep the cats in the yard and the foxes and coyotes out. Information on that can be found at the http://icwdm.org  

Be sure the fence is constructed to keep out coyotes as they can jump higher.

Otherwise, if none of those options are acceptable, than lethal control is the only effective option.   There are no repellents or sonic devices that will work. I am sure you didn't want to hear that. I am sorry but I have to tell you the truth.

Wish you well.