Unfortunately, there aren't any easy solutions to this particular growing problem.
Some suggest creating a portion of your garden area as a litter box in the hopes of making the cats (Felis domesticus) do their damage in one spot rather than all over.
We doubt that repellents such as citronella will be effective.
However, there are some products that can help reduce the problem.
1. One product is called scat mat. It is a shock pad that uses batteries to jolt an animal that walks on it. It has only limited use in that the mat is very small.
2. Another product is a scarecrow that uses a motion detector to activate a water hose to spray an area. It covers a larger area but can't be used during freezing temperatures.
3. There is also a product sold in England that utilizes spikes that can be placed in the garden. The cats don't want to walk on them, but they are soft enough not to cause permanent injury.
4. Fencing. Fencing can be effective in preventing cats from entering a property.
Trapping can be very effective if legal in your area.
Resources: (online)
Feral Cat Prevention and Control
