Hi Jennifer- I had found a few resources related to cats in the garden to answer a question that came my way that I thought might be helpful for you. Here are some links from Oregon and California Extension Resources:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/em-9564-protecting-your-garden-cats
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/feral-cats/#gsc.tab=0
https://ucanr.edu/blog/hort-coco-uc-master-gardener-program-contra-costa/article/neighbors-cat-using-your-garden
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Sarah Pounders
Senior Education Specialist
The Woodlands TX
8324186540
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-26-2026 04:11:41 PM
From: Jennifer Ross
Subject: Keeping Pests Out
Hello!
I have a gardening club with kinder and first graders. We meet once a week after school and have been going for about 2 years. Our campus is fenced but a cat has managed to get in our garden and use it for a litter box. I noticed the mound on Friday, but didn't inspect it until the following week. What do I do to insure the kids and I stay safe when working in the dirt? Do I remove the soil?
Also, I want to deter the cat by putting up a barrier. Any suggestions? Not sure if my school would let me put up a small fence, so I'm leaning towards hoops and netting.
The attached photo is our garden in the fall. Right now it's mostly just soil, which is why the cat thought it was fair game! LOL
Thanks so much for your help and suggestions.
Happy Gardening!
Jennifer
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Jennifer Ross
TX
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