I smell a skunk outside

[Sugarcoated]

for the second time this week. I live in the suburbs, houses fairly close together with medium size yards. Here's what I'm not sure about: I need to water my potted fowers and tomatoes. Should I fear getting sprayed if he's in my bushes and I startle him? If the smell goes away is the coast clear? And, what really confuses this city-burb girl - what's making him spray in the first place? A cat? Would a cat even dare go near a skunk? I can't skip the watering, particularly the tomatoes. :scared:

[Gormy Cuss]

1. Make a lot of noise as you go outside.

That should send the skunk running. What you don't want to do is surprise it.
I don't know why they throw off scent in the evening but my neighborhood skunk seems to be enamored of his own perfume, yet I've only seen him once, a little after dawn.

Cat could get in a tangle with a skunk but it's less likely that a dog/skunk encounter.

[Sugarcoated]

2. Thanks : )

All I need to end this really shitty day is a spray from Peppie Le Pew - it just feels like it could happen.