Feeding an Outdoor Animal

[FinallyInSea]

This question applies to a cat that I'm feeding, but it's really about dealing with feeding an outdoor animal in general.

I recently "adopted" a stray cat that seems to call my yard home most of the time. She now has a "Dogloo" for shelter with a heated pad for the colder winter months. I've been noticing that she seems to eat A LOT of food but it wasn't until today that I found out what was really going on. She's competing for her food with a VERY healthy sized raccoon (I don't back up to a wooded area - go figure!). Does anyone have any suggestions for what might repel a raccoon but not a cat? I can't bring her inside - she doesn't trust me enough to even get close to me. Any and all suggestions are appreciated!

[Wolat]

don't leave the food unattended. raccoons can get just about anywhere.... good luck

['too crazy]

Well that is a tricky one for sure. I have no idea to pass on but I did want to welcome you to the group. Hope you enjoy it here. :)

[KCCaneCorsos]

Poor kitty! Can you put the food inside the dog house? The only other thing I can think of is to get one of those traps that will catch the raccoon (alive) and take it somewhere else to live. I know that in my area we have a wild life park/sanctuary place where you can let wild animals go like squirrels and raccoons and stuff. Good luck. Let us know if anything works!

[KatMom]

I posted my responses on the other board under Cats.....
Here is the website again for the one.
Rather than repeating the long one from my other friend.....I'll just let you look at the other post ; I hope one of them helps !

http://www.critter-repellent.com/ra...n-repellant.php

If you can PLEASE keep us updated :)
Kat

[olbrent]

My questions are not meant to anger anyone, however, is it legal in your area to have free roaming animals? Is the cat spayed or nuetered? Up to date on ALL shots? If so, is it fair to the animal? Is it safe, for the cat or other animals? I do not know the answer to the first few questions but the last is a heartfelt NO! If the law says no, you are in violation as the one who feeds it, owns it! If the cat does something wrong to your neighbors place or animals you are responsible for your pet. If the cat is fertile your cat is going to create at least unwanted cats, possibly sickly ferral cats contaminating all other animals they come into contact with. If it is not up to date on all shots, contagious disease could be getting spread throughout your community, raccoons are known to be one of the most rabies infected animals nationwide! If a stray cat survives crossing my fenced in yard while my dogs are out it will have used one of the 9 lives at that point. It is not fair to let a cat run free into the jaws of two pitbulls defending their yard from other animals, they are both lovey girls but do have my blessing to exibit their prey drive in the fenced yard! I hope they are not injured or infected with disease while dispatching a tresspassing cat! All animals outdoors should be in an escape proof enclosed area or on a leash, this includes cats! The best thing is to convert stray cats into indoor animals or hand them over to a rescue place for a professional decision as to adoptability! I hope not to have angered anyone but it gets my dander up when I see free roaming cats running the streets getting hit by cars or killed in other inhumane manners! Just my opinion Brent. :mad:

[KatMom]

I think the cat is a stray and FinallyInSea is trying to feed it in order to coax it in eventually. But in order to do so FinallyInSea was trying to keep the Raccoon out of the food. FinallyInSea stated ; "" she doesn't trust me enough to even get close to me."" So I 'm sure no one knows if kitty is Spayed / Neutered...or up to date on shots. This is just a friendly Animal loving person trying to help out a wayward stray. Possibly adopt the stray if the kitty will allow it in time.

KatMom