How To Make Raccoon-proof Cat Feeder [Plus 7 Best Options]

Raccoons climbing and scratching the balcony or entering the house is a common problem in North America. They are clever, curious, and bold creatures.

In addition to their striking appearance and playful demeanor, these animals have a marked propensity for anything edible.

So, if you have an outdoor cat feeder, I recommend you turn it into a raccoon-proof cat feeder. If you live in a part of the world where raccoons are found, then you know what a cute nuisance they can be.

Do racoons eat cat food? Yes. They like to steal food if it’s left outside, and they also really like to eat cat food.

If this isn’t annoying enough, there’s often a worse problem: your cats may not be able to get at their food when raccoons are on the scene.

8 Proven Ways to Keep Raccoons Out of Cat’s Food

I have been a cat owner for many years. We have had a number of cats over the years, and I became tired of having to worry about whether my kitties were getting enough to eat, if they didn’t seem interested in eating.

So I developed this post as a reference for cat owners who are looking for an effective way to make their home invulnerable to every raccoon in the neighborhood!

So how do you keep racoons and possums out of cat food? Here are a few tips!

#1 Feed Cats Only During the Daytime

Raccoons are primarily nocturnal animals, which means that they sleep during the day and hunt at night. If you feed your cat in the morning or afternoon, the chances of a raccoon coming into contact with her food are significantly reduced.

If you notice that a raccoon has gotten into your cat’s bowl, it is important that you clean it out immediately. The smell of cat food will attract other raccoons and increase chances of another visit.

#2 Pet House With a Microchip

Consider using a pet house with a microchip that will keep any unwanted guests out of your yard. This way, if any raccoons come by, they won’t be able to get into the area where you keep your cat’s food.

This is especially helpful if you have a small pet house because it will take up less space than a closed door or fence. A microchip may also be able to help with other animals such as rabbits, birds and squirrels.

#3 Scent-based Deterrent

In order to keep raccoons out of your cat’s food, you need to use scent-based deterrents. These deterrents will mask the smell of the cat food, making it unattractive to the raccoon.

Cinnamon or Cayenne Pepper Sprinkling

Two of the most effective scent-based deterrents are cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Cinnamon has been used for centuries as a natural insect repellent, and it works by masking scents that attract insects.

Cayenne pepper also masks scents, but it also works by irritating the sensitive membranes in a raccoon’s nose. If you sprinkle either one on top of your cat’s food bowl before you put it away, you should see fewer raccoon visits in the future.

Coffee Can

Get an empty coffee can and fill it up with water. Next, place it near the area where you want to keep raccoons away from.

The next day, open up the lid on top so that it exposes some of the water inside, which will give off a strong scent to deter the raccoon from coming back again later on during their nightly hunt for food sources nearby (which include anything from garbage cans outside your house all the way down to bird feeders).

Apple Cider Vinegar

Will vinegar keep raccoons away? It sure does! The best way to do this is by mixing a few drops of apple cider vinegar with water in a spray bottle.

Then, lightly mist the area around your cat’s bowl with this mixture every couple of days. This will help mask the scent of your cat food and keep raccoons from finding it.

Speaking of deterrents, is your furball suffering from bad breath? Here are some treats for bad breath cats that you might find helpful.

#4 Feed the Cat Indoors

Raccoons will come into your yard at night and eat as much cat food as they can get their hands on in one sitting. That’s why you have to make sure your pets’ food is inaccessible during this time.

If you don’t want raccoons eating your pet’s food, make sure you feed them indoors!

This way, there won’t be any extra food lying around outside—leaving them vulnerable to being eaten by other animals like raccoons or cats alike. To add to your indoor dining menu, here are some healthy treats for cats.

#5 Use or Build an Elevated Cat Feeder

Raccoons are attracted to the smell of cat food. They will climb up and reach their arms over the edge of your regular-height cat feeder in order to get at it.

How high can a raccoon jump? High, but definitely not as high as your cat can! If you build an elevated feeder, they won’t be able to reach it and will leave your cat’s food alone.

Building an elevated cat feeder is a cinch. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Get a box or bin that is at least as tall as your cat when it’s sitting down, but not too much taller. The idea is that you want to be able to put a bowl of food on top of this box and have it be at eye level for the cat.

Step 2: Put some cardboard inside the box to make sure it’s sturdy enough for your cat to stand on without tipping over.

Step 3: Cut out holes in the bottom of the box so that water will drain out if your cat drinks from its bowl. You can also cut holes in one side so that cats can get into their new feeding area and out again easily.

Step 4: Place your new elevated feeding station somewhere where cats like to hang out—in front of a window, near a heat vent, etc. Make sure there isn’t anything else around that might tempt them (like plants or cords) before placing it there permanently!

#6 Your Property Should Be Fenced

To keep raccoons out of your yard and away from your cat food bowls, you need a fence around them. You should invest in a tall chain link fence with metal posts on top so that there aren’t any gaps where raccoons can squeeze through.

Make sure that there are no openings between the panels of metal or else they’ll be able to use them as footholds when climbing over one another!

#7 Remove Any Additional Food Sources

If you want to keep raccoons away from your cat food, remove any additional food sources that might be attracting them in the first place.

For example, if there are bird feeders or squirrel feeders nearby, make sure they’re empty before putting out the cat food.

Also make sure any trash cans have tight-fitting lids so that the raccoons can’t get into them and get their paws on some tasty snacks!

#8 Make Use of a Raccoon-proof Feeder

If you want to keep raccoons away from your cat’s food, the best thing you can do is make use of a raccoon-proof feeder.

These feeders can be made out of almost any material—wood, plastic, metal—and are designed specifically for keeping raccoons out of them. They have holes that only allow smaller animals like cats and dogs access to the food inside.

Raccoon-proof feeders come in many shapes and sizes, so it’s easy to find one that fits perfectly into your yard or garden without taking up too much space or looking out of place.

They even come in different colors so that they blend seamlessly into their surroundings!

Interested in other pet items that you can add to your home? Here is a post I wrote on cat litter box furniture.

If you’re not sure what kind of feeder is best for keeping raccoons away from your cat’s food bowl, check out the list I’ve made for you below!

7 Best Racoon-proof Cat Feeder

Before you go out and buy one, though, there are a few things to consider:

First and foremost, have you checked your current feeder? Is it really raccoon-proof? It’s worth checking—you might be surprised by what you find!

Next, think about the kind of feeder you want. There are tons of options out there. Some are basically just like your regular feeder but with a lid that closes shut so it’s harder for raccoons to get into.

Others come with extra bells and whistles like motion sensors or special “anti-raccoon” features that make it impossible for them to get in at all. You can even find ones that dispense treats when cats come near them.

Finally, make sure that whatever feeder you choose has good reviews—and read those reviews! The last thing you want is a product that doesn’t live up to its promises or breaks within days.

Here are some of the best products out there:

Voluas Automatic Pet Feeders : Best for Pet Owners Always on the Go

Last update on 2025-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Features:

• Feed your favorite pet whenever it is convenient for you, day or night. Set between 1-4 meals with 0-40 quantity options to automatically dispense food to provide your pet with a specific personalized diet.
• Choose between a fixed wired connection with the 5V adaptor USB power cable, and a portable 3 D-cell battery-powered feeding station. Having this variety of options keeps your pet from being hungry, even during power outages!
• Disposable and washable pieces promote a healthy atmosphere for your pet’s food.

Pros:

• The intuitive LCD screen simplifies setup and programming, making way for a user-friendly operation of the machine.
• Allow your cat to hear your voice when it’s mealtime to establish a deep attachment and excellent eating habits. Make a recording of up to 10 seconds of audio for your pet.
• High-Capacity Food Store: The 4-liter food storage can comfortably feed most pets for several days. You can easily feed your cat or dog on extended weekends and short business travels.

Cons:

• Once you set the programmed feeding time, observe for about a day or two if the food is being dispensed right on time. Report any discrepancies to the supplier.

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Petlibro Automatic Cat Feeders : Switch from Automatic to Manual Feeding Anytime

Last update on 2025-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Features:

• The patented rotor on this auto cat food dispenser in the tank’s bottom, as well as the tight twist-lock top, prevents pets from accessing food.
• Granary auto feeder for cats features a built-in desiccant bag and a sealing strip to keep food fresh and crispy.
• This timed cat feeder may program 1-6 meals per day with up to 50 servings per.
• Adjust your pet’s feeding schedule and monitor battery power with the easy-to-read tilt LED panel.
• The Granary auto cat feeder also has a manual feeding button, whenever you feel like rewarding your pet (up to 5 portions).

Pros:

• You can use the transparent window to easily monitor the pet food level and replenish food on time. Aside from the USB-C converter, the automated feeders can also be powered by three alkaline D batteries to ensure that it can be utilized even if the power goes out, providing you peace of mind when feeding your furry companion.
• Keep in touch with your pet even when you’re not at home. You can record a 10-second message, and the number of recordings played can be individually set from 0-5 times, so your pet won’t wake you up in the middle of the night if they feel hungry.
• These feeders have removable tank lids, tanks, tank bases, and food bowls for thorough cleaning. When the food outlet’s infrared sensor detects a blockage, it will stop distributing food.

Cons:

• Study carefully the portion sizes, as the machine might dispense more food than you wanted to serve your pet.

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SureFlap Sure Petcare SureFeed : Great for Households with Many Pets

Last update on 2025-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Features:

• To prevent pets from stealing each other’s food, the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder only responds to a registered microchip (implanted), or RFID collar tag. The product comes with one collar tag.
• This feeder is great for multi-pet families, to avoid greedy pets from growing overweight and to guarantee the proper pet consumes prescription or life-stage food.
• The feeder’s top locks onto a sealed bowl, which keeps food fresher.
• The training mode gradually closes the lid to assist nervous creatures get used to the movement. The product comes with a three-year warranty.

Pros:

• This product has really easy programming and is very intuitive to use.
• The feeder only opens for the programmed cat it gets assigned to.
• The design of this feeder seals the food, and also keeps it fresh longer. The cats can graze all day.
• It is also battery powered, which ensures your cats are fed even with power outages, and its design offers easy portability if you bring your pets along with you on a trip.

Cons:

• The feeding section is a bit too shallow.
• The package includes non-dishwasher safe bowls, which are not really dishwasher-safe. Best to buy the extra stainless steel bowls.

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PetSafe Healthy Pet Automatic Feeder : Best for Controlled Dispensing of Food

Last update on 2025-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Features:

• Schedule up to 12 meals each day for your cat or dog; works best for cats and small to medium-sized dogs.
• Depending on your pet’s specific requirements, you can serve around 1/8 cup to 4 cups every meal.
• This feeder is easily portable, you just need 4 D-cell alkaline batteries for it to operate.

Pros:

• For pets who eat too quickly, schedule meals bigger than 1/8 cup to be dispensed slowly over 15 minutes.
• The feeder accepts dry and semi-moist pet kibble up to 3/4 inch in diameter.
• The feeder is designed to prevent cute, little curious paws from sneaking into their food before the scheduled mealtimes.
• For easy cleaning, place the BPA-free plastic feeder pieces and stainless-steel bowl in the top rack of the dishwasher. NOTE: You need to hand wash the conveyor system separately.

Cons:

• The power cord and adapter need to be purchased separately.
• The manual is a bit of a challenge to understand, though for most parts of setting up this feeder, it can be quite intuitive.

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Cat Mate C3000 Automatic Dry Food : For Cats with Special Nutritional Needs

Last update on 2025-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Features:

• The ‘frequent feed’ mode allows for the giving of multiple little meals throughout the day, which is suitable for pets with special nutritional needs such as diabetes.
• You would need only four (4) C-cell batteries to power the device (these are not included upon purchase).
• The feeder features a warning icon for low battery, to alert you when a change is required, and good quality batteries should last for about a year.
• The written instructions that come with the package make programming simple. A quick start video instruction is also accessible online to assist you become acquainted with the fundamental options.
• The C3000 has a big 6.6 pound capacity hopper that can contain enough food for a medium-sized cat for about a month.
• For easy cleaning, the lid, food hopper, and the bowl are all easily removable and dishwasher safe.
• The Cat Mate C3000 Feeder comes with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Pros:

• The Cat Mate C3000 Automatic Dry Food Feeder for Cats and Small Dogs allows you to configure up to three meals per day with predetermined portion levels, reducing the health risks and expenditures associated with overfeeding.
• This one-of-a-kind feed mechanism assures accurate and constant meal proportions ranging from 2 teaspoons to 2 cups, and it can dispense all common dry cat and small dog diets.
• Alternatively, the Cat Mate C3000 allows meals to be supplied on demand or ahead of schedule.
• The Cat Mate C3000 feeder, which is suitable for both cats and small dogs, has a safe snap-lock lid and a revolutionary self-closing feed nozzle to prevent your pet from feeding before the needed time.
• The base can be fixed to a wooden board for further security and stability.

Cons:

• The lid is a bit easy to remove, so your smart pets might figure this out sooner. You can use an adhesive for extra security.

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Wopet Automatic Cat Feeder With Camera : Connects You With Your Pets Even When You’re Away!

Last update on 2025-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Features:

• Feeding easily using your Smartphone! Remotely set times to automatically feed your pet. You can preset 1 to 6 meals a day, depending on your pet’s feeding requirements.
• This product has a dual power supply: The feeder can be powered by the provided power adapter, or three D batteries (Batteries are not included upon purchase).
• Battery Backup ensures that your pets are fed even when the power goes off. In the event of a power outage, we recommend combining the two power sources.

Pros:

• This also functions as a smart pet camera with an app that allows you to watch, chat, and play with your pet. Connect with your pet while you’re away with the voice chat/recording feature.
• You can also directly share your favorite moment on social media.
• This 7-liter automatic dog feeder constantly feeds food for your cat and dog for a few days, a guarantee that they will be full and happy when you’re away on a brief vacation, or working long hours.
• Record and play your audio messages (up to ten messages!) to help your pets get acquainted with the feeder while it is dispensing meals.
• You can also automatically broadcast a mealtime reminder to your pets.

Cons:

• The camera has a low resolution.
• It is a bit noisy when the food is being dispensed.

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PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Cat Feeder : Feed Your Cats Using Your SmartPhone

Last update on 2025-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Features:

• With the smart feed app, you can feed your pet at any time from your smartphone. The app requires an iPhone or iPod device running iOS 9.0 or later, or a compatible Android smartphone running Android 6.0 or later.
• Backup battery: 4 D cell alkaline batteries (not included) are required for the optional battery backup. If your Wi-Fi goes down, your pet will still receive the next scheduled feeding.
• Dishwasher friendly! For easy cleaning, the lid, hopper, stainless steel bowl, and bowl holder are top shelf dishwasher safe.
• Made of BPA-free polycarbonate and stainless steel; intended for use exclusively indoors.

Pros:

• You can easily customize your pet’s meals: Plan up to 12 meals for your dog or cat.
• Feeding your pet outside of the planned meal times is possible with the “Feed Now” option. Only dry food
• You have better portion control. Meals can be given to your pet in portions ranging from 1/8 cup to 4 cups.
• Slow feed allows food to be dispensed slowly over a 15-minute period, reducing stomach distress.

Cons:

• Since the functionality of this feeder is highly dependent on your phone and your internet, feeding might be a challenge if you have connectivity issues down the road.

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How to Pick the Best Cat Feeder That Is Racoon-Proof!

Versatility in Food

In order to pick the best cat feeder that is raccoon-proof, you need to look for a feeder that has versatility in food. This means that it should be able to hold more than just cat food.

The best choice is a feeder that can hold dry food, wet food, and treats. The reason you want this kind of flexibility is so that if your cat gets bored with one type of food or treat, you can change things up without having to buy another feeder.

Smart Functions

The first smart function you want is an automatic timer that knows when it’s time for your cat to eat.

Cats are creatures of habit and they like routine, so if you can set up a schedule for when your cat should be fed, then you’ll be able to help them stick to it!

Another smart function we recommend is one that keeps track of how much food has been eaten by your cat.

This will help ensure that they aren’t getting too much or too little at each mealtime—which can lead to health problems over time. With this feature built in, you’ll always know if there’s any problem with their diet.

Easy to Clean

A good raccoon-proof cat feeder should have an easy-to-clean tray, so you can quickly and easily clean up any messes your cat makes when it eats.

It should also have a lid that fits securely on the tray and won’t let in raccoons or other animals looking for a meal.

Easy to Use

This means that the feeder should be able to be used without any problem by all cats, regardless of their age and weight, or by humans. The feeder should also have a locking system that keeps it closed when not in use.

This will prevent other animals or birds from accessing the food inside. The cat feeder should also have an indicator that shows when it is time to refill it with food.

This will ensure that there is always enough food available for your pet at all times.

Cost

When you are thinking about purchasing a raccoon-proof cat feeder, it is important to consider the cost. It should be at a very reasonable price so that you do not have to spend too much money.

The more expensive cat feeders will tend to be better quality but they may also be more expensive than you want to pay.

When you are looking at different cat feeders, it is important to consider the quality of materials used in making the product.

You want something that is going to last for as long as possible, so it should be made out of durable materials like metal or wood instead of plastic or cardboard.

You can also look at reviews online from other people who have purchased similar products before buying one yourself!

Swiper No Swiping: Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Raccoon-proof a Cat Feeder? 

You can raccoon-proof a cat feeder by placing it on top of a table or other surface that is too high for the raccoon to reach.

You can also place the feeder on a tall pole or in an elevated enclosure that has a lid. You can also use a fence around your outdoor cat’s food to keep raccoons away.

How Do You Feed a Feral Cat Without Attracting Raccoons?

Feeding a feral cat is a great way to help the little guys out, but you may be worried that if you leave food out, it will attract raccoons. Well, don’t worry—there’s an easy solution! All you need is:

• A small crate or cage
• A feral cat (or two!)
• Dry cat food for the cats
• A raccoon repellent (like vinegar or ammonia)

First, set up the crate in a hidden spot near where the feral cats hang out. Then fill it with dry food and put your cats in there.

Leave them alone for at least an hour so they can get used to their new home and feel safe eating there. Then come back and check on them from time to time.

Next thing you’ll want to do is find a way to keep raccoons away from your food area.

You can do this by making sure that raccoons don’t want to come near it—and they don’t want to come near it because it smells terrible! You can use vinegar or ammonia as a repellent.

Are Raccoons Attracted to Cat Food?

Raccoons are attracted to pet food because of its smell and the fact that it’s usually in a bowl on the floor or near the side of your house where they can easily find it.

In addition, if you have a cat that’s litter box trained then there will be some additional smells coming from that area as well which will also attract them over time.

Do Moth Balls Deter Raccoons?

Do moth balls prevent raccoons from getting into your attic? No, not really.

But if you have a problem with raccoons in your attic, there are some other things you can try first before resorting to moth balls—like trying to seal off any holes or other areas where raccoons could enter the attic.

If none of those options work, then consider putting out other scent deterrents such as vinegar or cinnamon.

Conclusion

The goal of these raccoon-proof cat feeders is to keep the other animals out, and your kitty or pup in.

After careful research, there were a few that stood out as being better than others so it’s time we really get into specifics.

These feeders are constructed using different materials such as metal, plastic, and they can be modified in various ways with extra features that make sure they continue to work effectively and efficiently.

For example, some have auto timers, which allow you to schedule a feeding time and go to bed without worrying if your little four legged friend will be getting up in the middle of the night for a snack.

Cat feeders are an ideal solution for cat owners, who find themselves away from home all day but still want to care for their pet.

There are a wide range of designs and styles on the market, so it is important to choose the right one to suit your individual needs.