you can put sticks or those bar b q skewers (point side down so you don't hurt yourself!) in the empty spaces between the plants. every couple of inches. the cats won't jump in there so they won't get hurt either. it has definitely helped me in that situation. my neighbour thought i was being mean to the cats, but they really will just avoid it like they wouldn't go where big plants are growing.
A friend of mine planted plastic forks around her gardens, points up. She said it worked well to discourage cats.
This is known as the three sisters method. From experience I can tell you to not use it for sweet corn and don't plant either the beans or squash until after the corn stalks are at least 10 inches or 25 cm tall. The squash will shade the corn and your germination will be diminished. The beans will look for something to climb soon after sprouting and need those stalks to be available. They will wind their way very tightly around whatever they're climbing and it becomes almost impossible to harvest the corn at a fresh eating stage. This is why the planting method is best reserved for corn that is meant to be left on the plant and made into cornmeal, masa, or hominy.
Betty sounds like a keeper! Good girl, Betty.
