How To Repel Raccoons Without Repelling Cats

Raccoons share a lot of characteristics with house cats, so strategies to repel raccoons sometimes disturb cats, too. Techniques like ultrasonic devices, predator urine or hot pepper can also disturb pet cats. Take advantage of the raccoon's nocturnal habits to target them at night when your cats are safe and sound indoors.

Step 1

Bring your cats indoors after sunset so the measures you apply to the raccoons will not affect your cats. Encourage outdoor cats to come home at night with an evening meal.

Step 2

Install floodlights. Raccoons are not comfortable in bright light and will normally avoid it. Lighting up your yard or other area where raccoons have become comfortable will make them less likely to congregate there. You can also make lights motion-activated. This is generally more effective, as the lights coming on suddenly has more of a repellent effect on the raccoons.

Step 3

Install a motion-controlled sprinkler in an area where raccoons have been seen. Use a timer so the sprinkler will only go on after sunset, when the cats and other pets are indoors. These sprinklers are activated through infrared sensors when they detect motion. They turn on automatically with a lot of noise and water and are very effective at scaring wild animals of all types away.

Step 4

Remove any sources of pet or livestock feed from outdoors. Cover water sources if possible. Cover your garbage cans securely and lock them inside the garage or shed.