Porch kitty question

[PeterB]

Question for the cat folks here:

If you're feeding a stray, how do you keep the other animals from eating the food?

I've been feeding porch kitty for quite awhile now, and she will nibble a bit, then leave, then occasionally come back, nibble a bit, then leave, rinse and repeat. With my schedule, I can only really feed her on my way out in the morning and again when I get home late night.

The problem is -- various critters are eating the food before she can get her fill. So far, it's mostly been raccoons (aka garbage pandas) and occasionally possums. The raccoons in particular have been getting quite daring-- they will even be on my porch by 8PM.

Thoughts?

P.S. ... porch kitty has me quite well trained. She will come running as soon as she hears my car pull up and lies for me in wait on my way out in the morning. Ahhh, the life of being cat staff. :emoticon-animal-004:

[Diana]

Not much you can do if the food is out in the open where other critters can get to it. Put it up high where she can get to it but not dogs, so critters that can’t climb like she can are excluded. You can also make a “gate” big enough for her, but too small for other critters. If they are about her size, and can climb, then I’m out of ideas. I take it that she won’t come into the house (hence the name Porch Kitty), or you can tolerate a cat in the house. No fun for either of you.

[Tiangou]

You've got those little Southern possums and raccoons, right?

When I was feeding a porch kitty up North, the possums that came out at night were huge, and the raccoons were the size of small bears.

You try and chase off those critters at your own peril.

I ended up just bribing them with their own portions.

[mattkime]

Not sure if this will work for you for a variety of reasons but at least its an idea - https://www.amazon.com/Sure-Petcare-Sure...B00O0UIPTY

[Forrest]

Consider feeding the cat 1/2 the food in the morning and 1/2 at night. This will insure a minimal amount of food left in the bowel.

[Fritz]

start by sitting quietly at a distance from the cat (assuming she won't let you stay close) while she eats.
Try to make enough time to give her 5 minutes at the bowl each meal and sneak a teense closer each time. The idea is to get her comfortable with you watching her six while she eats.

Don't leave out food when you're gone.
That just encourages varmints. And you don't want them fkrs in the house, believe me.

As long as a cat feels safe, most will get their fill in 5 mins to make it thru to the next available meal.
Varmints never get their fill.
Call the cat, with a spray bottle of soapy water in hand for the eyes of the uninvited.

Raccoons are very persistent, but they eventually learn they aren't welcome.
Of course, if anyone is foaming, very erratic, or standing up straight with a double aught, don't risk it.

Cider vinegar, peppermint oil, citrus peels and cayenne pepper are good deterrents for raccoons, but cats mostly aren't bothered. Sprinkle the porch edge. Cider vinegar and cayenne can be found in jugs for cheap.

[jh]

Be mindful that raccoons and other critters such as squirrels can find ways to enter you house attic, craw space if you have one etc. We have a neighbor whose father now deceased fed the while critters. His son continues the practice. Raccoons, opossums, foxes, and a couple of skunks liked to visit over time. Raccoons got into neighbor's attic a couple of times (along with squirrels) and did a lot of damage.

[Michael]

I wouldn't have a huge amount of faith in this, but maybe... https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Feeding-S...600E9T8950&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.stRshUOUWxo5akrSfwp0qRtjQrxJycjyZ6TdpNFBaUVZ0aOwztoaALBNz_mdOaJjQzoV5ZvQ6ZXyX0pFkzqgUW5NRNHGYjmwUnc0iiPVGm50LVuFKB3ynqmCU-yDU7EqD__4h_MltM5KDlDu9gC7_30aBs7iupdfWZQ819fCUBCxidwy6qKPfKjme_tE7Ods1hiL0eA465DpRM0kl7K0rSxhZtdKH_82WJVimSDnujVO71LMxoS54nlkMQy5FnUwpgH4_lEUk8nIAY8B0JhYgHBRLzZZ1bru7VLJqY4lG1BcVW6GwLDZHBwP2yXffIkqfPf9my11gCUUQSrrq7NLleAUE363njdmloUoP0xNaR0.d7fLTSRTlooAs4WJEIBvUqLogmjdBGcdnwUf_7GIuQk&dib_tag=se&keywords=cat+feeder+racoon+proof&qid=1742379167&s=pet-supplies&sprefix=cat+feeder+racoon+proof%2Cpets%2C95&sr=1-6

[mattkime]

Fritz wrote:
As long as a cat feels safe, most will get their fill in 5 mins to make it thru to the next available meal.
Varmints never get their fill.
Call the cat, with a spray bottle of soapy water in hand for the eyes of the uninvited.

Good advice. Depends upon the personality of the cat but if they're actually hungry then they'll gulp down food as fast as possible.

[Acer]

mattkime wrote:
[quote=Fritz]
As long as a cat feels safe, most will get their fill in 5 mins to make it thru to the next available meal.
Varmints never get their fill.
Call the cat, with a spray bottle of soapy water in hand for the eyes of the uninvited.

Good advice. Depends upon the personality of the cat but if they're actually hungry then they'll gulp down food as fast as possible.
Porch kitty might have a route of friendly porches, if he's nibbling and walking away. He's probably not in danger of starving even if the allotment is cut back.