Stray cats using my flower bed as a litter box

[Roberta Brinkman]

We've recently noticed a strong odor in our front flower bed; one that smells like cat urine and/or spraying. I plan to put down red pepper flakes (heavily) when I switch plants out for winter, but need suggestions as to what I can use to neutralize the awful odor that exists without damaging the plantings. It's most embarassing, considering the bed is right next door to our entry way and front door. Not to mention we can't open our windows for the stench. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. I'd heard of some kind of enzyme solution that was supposed to be available at home gardening centers, but the person didn't know what it was called.

[Dchall_San_Antonio]

The first thing I would spray would be molasses. Mix an ounce of molasses with a quart of water and spray the plants. The molasses feeds the microbes that will be decomposing the urine. Plus molasses spray smells pretty good.

If that doesn't work, then I would soak a handful of compost in water overnight with the molasses. Strain the compost out and spray with that the next day. The compost adds the microbes to the water and forms sort of a microbial tea to spray with.

I use carpet tack strips to keep cats out of my daughter's sand box. It seems a little harsh but the cats paw it lightly before treading on anything new.