Question
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Followup To
Question -
hello
i have 4 cats and so have a cat door for them to go in and out.
now 'rocky' has discovered the cat door and each night (if i forget to close it) he comes in and eats the cat food and makes a mess.
he's a 'teenager' - not a 'big mama' so not 'scary' - in fact he's very cute.
is there any way - other than catching him in a cage and taking him somewhere else - to deter him from coming in ?
i'm sure the answer is to close the cat door.
then = if i forget to lock them - he opens the sliding glass doors a nd comes in that way - so i can't leave my doors open in the summer for air!
Answer -
You are quite right. The answer is close the doors. There is no magic in this business despite what advertisers tell you on T.V. Forget all the so called repellents, ultrasound etc. You also need to understand that raccoons are very strong and have a great deal of dexterity with their front paws. So they can be difficult to exclude while still allowing other animals to pass. There is a product on the market that uses a special collar on your cats so that the door opens only for them. The problem is it is made out of plastic so the raccoon can just break through. Hopefully one made of steel will be made. If you hear of one let me know. You need to decide on whether you are going to close the doors or control the raccoon. For once, other raccoons discover what this raccoon has discovered, you will really have a problem. Raccoons tend to follow each other. Also you have possibly exposed your cats and yourself to various diseases including, baylisascaris procyonis and rabies. Not all raccoons are rabid but like AIDS you don't know who has it without a test. You CANNOT tell a raccoon is rabid by LOOKING at it. You can learn more at http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.com/animaldiseases.htm
Be sure to check your state laws regarding wildlife control. Some states like MA and CT don't allow the relocation of rabies vector species. So you may need to kill it. I have a book that covers raccoon trapping. YOu can buy one at http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.com/books.htm
Disclaimer: As with any activity, remember that animal damage control comes with its own risks and problems which can include but are not limited to legalities, health threats, and personal liabilities. Be sure to follow all state laws governing wildlife and make sure you have a thorough understanding on how to resolve the animal damage complaint. My advice is only as good as your understanding of me and my understanding of your situation. If you have any questions be sure to write back

i have watched his hand dexterity as he uses them to eat - its amazing.
if this racoon is basically 'friendly' - not afraid of me until i really get up and chase him - and the cats and him get along by basically ignoring each other (except for one cat who sees i don 't want him so sometimes chases him out herself) - need i worry about 'diseases'? any disease that can be transmitted other than by a bite>?  

Answer
Yes there are diseases you can catch without being bitten. You don't have to be bitten to catch rabies. All is needed is the virus getting into your body as when you touch a saliva filled dish with cuts in your hands? after the raccoon ate from the cat dish. Now is it easy to catch it? No. If it was then people who picked up trash after a raccoon invaded their trash can would be getting sick. But is it possible? Yes. I am not a doctor so I would certainly want to have people err on the side of caution. Thankfully, rabies is a weak virus and doesn't live long outside of a host. But baylisascaris roundworm eggs do. This is why I suggested reading my animal diseases page. Of course, I haven't even mentioned ticks and fleas carried by the raccoon that can then infest your porch area and ultimately you. I don't want to create a paranoia here. But I am strongly recommending that you put a stop to this raccon's entry through your cat door ASAP for your sakes and your cats'.
Also animals often lose their fear of humans because humans become familiar and/or perhaps your neighbors etc. are feeding them.