Today, you will find the best raccoon proof cat feeders. Raccoons can be a great nuisance in your backyard if you always have your cat feeders there. These little bandits are easily attracted to food sources and cats can hardly do anything to stop them from stealing their food.
One of the best ways to safeguard your cat’s food and keep raccoons at bay is by using a raccoon proof cat feeder. Raccoon proof cat feeders come in different sizes and shapes suitable for different users.
Most of these feeders are automatic and they only dispense food when it’s time for your cat to eat. This leaves behind no food for the marauding raccoon to eat and they are left with no choice but to leave and look for food elsewhere. Below is a review of the best raccoon proof cat feeders that will keep all raccoons at bay.
1) SureFeed Microchip Small Dog & Cat Feeder
This is one of the best automatic cat feeders available today. It uses the latest technology to safeguard cat food and lockout raccoons that are used to steal your kitty’s food. The lid of this feeder can only be activated by a microchip attached to the cat’s collar.
Once the cat comes near the feeder, the lid retracts automatically for him to feed and closes automatically after the cat has left. With this feeder, you not only deny access to raccoons but also other pets, especially if you own multiple pets in your household.
It’s also an excellent solution for cats on a special diet. Another good thing about this cat feeder is the lid that closes onto a sealed bowl to keep the food fresher. On top of that, this feeder is compatible with all types of pet food, including wet food.
It can also be programmed for 4 different microchips so you can use one feeder with different cats. It’s also backed by a 3-year warranty and powered by 4C-Cell batteries that give a longer lifetime.
Features
- Suitable for multiple pets use.
- Holds both dry and wet food.
- Suitable for pets on prescribed diets.
- Simple one-buttoning programming.
- Three-year warranty.
- Powered by long-run 4C-Cell batteries.
- Microchip compatibility.
- Easy to use.
- Simple clean-up.
- Denies access to both raccoons and unauthorized pets.
- Keeps food fresh for long.
2) PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed- Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder
This automatic cat feeder from PetSafe keeps raccoons away by dispensing food only when it’s the scheduled time for your pet to feed. Its incredibly large size holds up to 24 cups of dry or semi-moist food, while the translucent hopper makes it easy for you to know when to do a refill.
Better yet, the sturdy construction and locking lid makes the feeder pet-proof and raccoon-proof as well. Unlike other automatic feeders that are prone to jamming, this feeder has a conveyor design that makes it less prone to jamming.
It runs on batteries that can last up to 9 months and you can opt for a power cable as well. Besides that, this automatic cat feeder is portable so you can take it during travel. It’s also easy to clean, extremely versatile, and comes with a 12 months warranty.
Features
- Works on dry and semi-wet food only.
- Battery-powered.
- Highly customizable.
- Sturdy pet proof and raccoon-proof construction.
- Extremely versatile.
- Easy to clean.
- Portable and great for travel.
- Large storage capacity.
- Anti-jam prevention.
- Dispenses highly accurate food portions.
- Keeps food fresh for long.
- Easy to use.
3) BELOPEZZ 6Liters Smart Pet Automatic Feeders
There is no better way to keep your pet’s food safe from raccoons other than using the BELOPEZZ 6Liters Smart Pet Automatic Feeders. For starters, this automatic pet feeder is easy to operate, discharges precise food portions, and has the quality and feasible functions.
What makes it stand out among other raccoon proof cat feeders is the built-in infrared sensor that stops food discharge when there is already too much food in the bowl. On top of that, you get a 10 seconds voice recording to be played when the pet is feeding.
It also has a large storage capacity suitable for households with multiple pets. A food rotator included stabilizes food discharge and prevents jamming. Made from ABS food materials, this automatic food dispenser is easy to clean, environmentally friendly, and resistant to wear as well.
Features
- 2 rotators for large and small pets.
- Pet protection function.
- High-quality ABS housing.
- Easy to clean.
- 4 meal feeder.
- Super large storage tank.
- A built-in infrared sensor that limits the amount of food discharged.
- Powered by batteries.
- 10 seconds voice recording to be played during feed time.
- Anti-jam prevention.
- Highly customizable.
4) OurPets Wonder Bowl Selective Pet Feeder
Wonder Bowl Selective Pet Feeder is designed to feed your cat only when the cat is within a close range. The infrared technology detects the unique tag worn by the cat and opens the lid so the cat can feed.
This selective feeding excludes raccoons and other pets making it suitable for households with multiple pets. Each bowl holds up to 1.5 cups of dry food and is designed not to slide during use.
Other than that, it is made of stainless steel that’s easy to clean and dishwasher safe as well. The sturdy design ensures that it’s not only proof to raccoons, but also other pets and kids. The system runs on 3 D-cell batteries bought separately.
Features
- Great for multi-pet households.
- Powered by batteries.
- Sturdy design that’s raccoon-proof and pet-proof.
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
- Sturdy, non-slid design.
- Good for pets on a prescription diet.
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
- Uses infrared technology to open and close the lid.
- Keeps food fresh for long.
5) Cat Mate C3000 Automatic Dry Food 3-Meal Feeder
The best way to keep your cat food safe from raccoons and other pets are to use Cat Mate C3000 Automatic Dry Food 3-Meal Feeder. This automatic feeder can be programmed to dispense 3 accurate and consistent meal portions a day.
Suitable for households with multiple pets, the C3000 has a large 6.5 pounds dry food hopper that holds enough food to last an average cat for a month. For starters, the programming is easy to comprehend with the written instructions included.
On top of that, this feeder features a tamper-resistant lid that’s both pet proof and raccoon proof. The feed nozzle is also self-closing to prevent your cat from feeding before the set time. It is therefore ideal for pets with strict dietary requirements.
It runs on 4 C cell batteries that last up to 12 months. A low battery warning icon included indicates when it’s time to change into new batteries. The base of this feeder is fastened to a wooden board for extra stability and security.
Features
- Battery operated.
- Large storage capacity.
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
- Pet-proof and raccoon-proof.
- Easy to use LCD Display.
- Budget-friendly.
- Ideal for cats on strict diet requirements.
- Fastened to a wood board for extra stability.
- 3-year warranty.
- Easy to assemble.
6) Pet Feeder USA PF-10 CAT Feedster Automated Pet Feeder for Cats
If you are looking for the best value for the money, go for Pet Feeder USA PF-10 CAT Feedster Automated Pet Feeder for Cats. This automated pet feeder dispenses food only at programmed times, leaving raccoons with nothing to eat.
Suitable for multiple pet households, this feeder maintains the pet’s health by providing the right food proportion consistently. It’s easy to assemble, easy to program, and handles a wide range of food types.
Better yet, this feeder adjusts to different food shapes and sizes to prevent jamming. The industrious motor with built-in transmission withstands years of service, while the smart timer serves up to 8 meals a day.
Another good thing about this feeder is an underneath water tray that prevents insects from accessing pet food. On top of that, the pet feeder is kibble theft-proof and has a battery backup in case of a power outage.
Features
- Intuitive and easy programming.
- Digital timer for precise meal time.
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Extremely easy to assemble.
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
- Serves up to 8 meals a day.
- Handles different food shapes and sizes.
- Kibble is theft-proof and insect-proof.
- Battery backup.
- Large storage capacity.
- Smart timer with a pause mode.
- Jam proof.
Further Reading
Advantages and Drawbacks of Raccoon Proof Cat Feeders
Pros of Automatic Cat Food Feeders
Automated pet food dispensers are lifesavers and have numerous benefits to both pets and pet parents. The introduction of pet feeders made it easier and convenient to feed cats. Here are some of the advantages of automatic food dispensers
- Keeps cat food safe in the reservoir. This helps keeps the food away from pests and other pets if you have multiple pets. Besides, it keeps the food out of reach of your pet which helps check on uncontrolled appetite.
- Helps maintain regular routines when it comes to mealtimes. With an automated cat feeder, you can maintain the regular mealtimes for your kitty even when you are not at home. Since the feeders have settings that allow predictable mealtimes, your cat doesn’t skip their meal. This helps when pet parents have to work for long hours or when traveling.
- Helps pets manage their weight. Cat food feeders dispense small quantities of cat food more frequently. As a result, your cat only takes adequate food which is important in weight loss and weight management. This feeding routine also helps reduce the occurrence of conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
- Allow safe and frequent feeding of feral cats without leaving leftovers for pests and other wild animals.
- Prevents food wastage. The cat feeders are heavy containers and so it’s hard for the cats to topple them over.
Cons of Automatic Cat Food Feeders
Notwithstanding their benefits, raccoon proof cat feeders have their share of problems. Pet parents should be aware of these potential issues beforehand.
- Cat food dispensers lack sensors and will always dispense food according to the programmed setting. Even when there is uneaten food, the dispenser will always stick to the program.
- When you have multiple pets, it can be a problem monitoring which pet is eating which meal. When pets are sharing the feeding area, some may end having more than the required portions.
- The dispensing process is noisy and may not auger well with sensitive cats. This may discourage them from eating even when they are hungry.
- Cat feeders only work well with dry cat food and kibbles of certain sizes. This limits the options for pet parents if they want to feed their pets a variety of diets.
- Some feeders have complicated designs which make cleaning difficult. Some require disassembly for thorough cleaning which is a lot of work unlike the conventional feeding bowls.
- Since they are powered, when there is power loss or when the batteries are drained, the feeding time is affected. The cat may end up missing meals hence disrupting the feeding routine. This may make your cat grumpy.
Read: Best Outdoor Cat Enclosures
Best Raccoon Proof Cat Feeders Buying Guide & FAQs
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Raccoon Proof Cat Feeders
Food Versatility
The majority of automatic cat feeders work better on dry foods only. However, there are those designed to handle dry and semi-dry food.
If you love to switch your cat’s feed from time to time, look for a unit that handles and dispenses different types of food.
Ease of Use
Some automatic cat feeders are intuitive and easy to use than others. For beginners, get a unit that’s not only easy to use but also easy to program. No one wants a machine that sends them back to the manual guide every time you want to schedule your cat’s meal program. High tech models connect to your smartphone via an app so you can easily program it at the comfort of your smartphone.
Features
Features in automatic cat feeders vary from one unit to the other. There are basic models with simple features suitable for beginners and the elderly. High-end models have fancy smart features that are incredibly convenient and easy to operate as well. These features give you a better level of control even when not at home.
They connect with your smartphone through the house Wi-Fi and allow remote control. Other feeders also have a camera so you can monitor your cat’s behavior remotely.
Ease of Cleaning
Other than being easy to operate, the best automatic cat feeder should also be easy to clean. For added convenience, it should have removable parts that are dishwasher safe. Such units are a lot easier to maintain and keep clean. Avoid feeders with complex designs as they are more difficult to keep clean.
Storage Capacity
The amount of storage capacity that automatic feeders have to differ from one unit to the other. How much storage capacity you choose depends on the number of cats you have as well as how much food they consume within a given period.
If you intend to have a feeder that you don’t have to refill the food every day, make sure it has a reliable hopper system that holds and dispenses accurate food portions for days.
Number of Cats
If you have several cats with the same dietary requirements, it’s easier to use one feeder to feed them all. However, if they have different dietary needs, you’ll need to use a feeder for each cat.
The other factor to consider is the cat’s personality. Some cats are so aggressive that they can’t share their food with other cats. If both cats have no problem sharing their meals, get them an automatic feeder with a large hopper.
Related Post: Best Dry Cat Foods
Best Tips of Buying an Automatic Cat Feeder
- Check whether the automatic cat feeder retains the setting if it is switched off or if there is a power outage. This is particularly important to avoid programming the device from scratch every minute there is a power outage. Get an automatic feeder that saves its programming when unplugged or batteries are changed.
- Check whether the automatic feeder works with both AC adapters and batteries together. Having an automatic feeder that’s powered by an AC adapter, but has a battery backup ensures that the feeder continues to dispense food even when the powers go out. Also make sure that the two works in conjunction, because some automatic feeders can be plugged in and also have a battery compartment, but the two power sources don’t work in conjunction
- Check whether the design of the feeder can be destroyed by the cat. The type of materials used to determine how sturdy the automatic feeder is. Some of the automatic cat feeders have tamper-proof lids and chutes, so no cat can access the food before the set time. Others have a hopper and accessories to mount the feeder on the wall for extra security and stability.
- Check on the warranty/ guarantee. Check if the automatic feeder comes with a warranty or guarantee so you can have an easy time asking for a refund, replacement, or repair of the unit. Typically, the longer the warranty, the durable the unit is and the longer it’s likely to last.
Ways to Keep Raccoons Out of Your Cat’s Food
While it’s practically impossible to keep raccoons away from your homestead once they start stealing your pet’s food, here are some handy tips to discourage them and luckily have them disappear to other places.
- Put the cat’s food bowl in an enclosed place and an elevated position. Cats love having their food in an enclosed place and they will love it more if it’s in an elevated position.
- Maintain a consistent feeding time for your cat. If you have a feral time, he’ll get used to that time and will show up around that time to feed.
- Feed your cat indoors. Raccoons easily track food outdoors, but they can hardly get a break indoors in search of food. Feeding your cat indoors also helps them enjoy their meals without any disturbance.
- Get a raccoon proof cat feeder.
- Try and fence your homestead or use any other measures that deny raccoons access.
FAQs on Best Raccoon Proof Cat Feeders
Q: How Do Raccoon Proof Cat Feeders Work?
In most cases, raccoon proof cat feeders are automatic feeders. They are either powered by batteries or by electricity. These feeders have programmable settings for pet owners to customize meal time. The programmed feeder will only dispense food for the cat to eat only when it’s time to feed. It also dispenses an accurate amount of food to prevent leftover wastage.
Q: Can Different Cats Share One Feeder?
Yes. If the cats are friendly and don’t mind sharing a food bowl, you can use one feeder instead of two. Some automatic feeders have two bowls suitable for households with two cats.
Q: How Much Food Can an Automatic Cat Feeder Hold?
This depends on the capacity of the hopper. Large capacity feeders hold several liters of food that lasts for days. Such hoppers are ideal because you don’t have to refill the food every day. On the other hand, less expensive models typically hold a few meals worth one day or two.
Conclusion
The best way to keep your cat’s food safe from raccoons is by investing in raccoon proof cat feeders. These feeders are not only sturdy and raccoon-proof, but they also outsmart the little bandits by leaving nothing behind for them to eat.
Doing so leaves them with no option but to look for food elsewhere. If you are looking for the easiest way to keep raccoons away, all of the products listed above are raccoon proof and suitable for all households with pets.