There is no question that raccoons are bandits. Not many animals are that good at stealing. However, they can be a nuisance to pet owners. At least larger dogs can keep them at bay, but it’s a different story for cats.
Cats are too small to stop a raccoon from taking their food. So, what should one do? One of the best moves is to invest in a raccoon-proof cat feeder. We searched for cat feeders with designs that make it impossible for raccoons to access the feeder’s contents.
That search led us to automatic cat feeders. Unlike ordinary feeders, automatic cat feeders save you the hassle of feeding the cat during their mealtimes. Instead, you can preset your cat’s mealtimes in the auto feeder, and the machine will release the food only at those times.
Therefore, a marauding raccoon will find nothing in the dish, leaving it with no option but to scavenge elsewhere. Additionally, automatic cat feeders are designed to be exceptionally sturdy to prevent hungry cats from breaking into the feeder.
The following are reviews of the 5 best raccoon-proof cat feeders.
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A Quick Glance at Our Favorites in 2025
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Best Overall
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PetSafe Programmable Cat Feeder |
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Best Value
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Cat Mate Automatic Cat Feeder |
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Premium Choice
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SureFeed Microchip Cat Feeder |
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WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder |
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PetSafe Smart Automatic Cat Feeder |
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The 5 Best Raccoon-Proof Cat Feeders
1. PetSafe Programmable Cat Feeder – Best Overall
This programmable cat feeder by PetSafe took the top spot in our list of best raccoon-proof cat feeders thanks to its exceptional combination of sturdy construction and outstanding design, all at a reasonable price. For starters, it has a highly customizable program that allows you to fine-tune the cat’s mealtimes to a tee.
The preset function allows you to customize up to 12 mealtimes in one day, thus making it an excellent option for cats with unorthodox feeding schedules. Moreover, you can override your preset schedules using the “immediate feed” function to dispense the food immediately. If your kitty tends to gulp down their food, you will appreciate the “slow feed” function that dispenses food gradually over 15 minutes.
This feature is great for cats that are on a diet, as it helps them develop better eating habits. The feeder also allows you to customize meal sizes for your cat. You can program it to release a wide array of sizes, ranging from 2 tablespoons (⅛ cup) to 4 cups. Some automatic cat feeders are prone to jamming. Fortunately, that is not the case with the Petsafe programmable cat feeder, thanks to its conveyor design.
This feeder’s sturdy build makes it not only pet-proof but also raccoon-proof. It runs on batteries that can keep it running for up to a year. You can also use a power cable. Nevertheless, you must pay extra for both the batteries and the power cable.
Unfortunately, the Petsafe programmable cat feeder is not designed to dispense wet cat food. Nonetheless, it makes up for it with unbelievable user-friendliness and stellar build quality, making it one of the best overall raccoon-proof cat feeders in the game. This unit comes with a 12-month warranty.
- Highly customizable
- Large storage capacity
- Numerous functions for convenience
- Sturdy raccoon-proof construction
- User-friendly
- Not prone to jamming
- 12-month warranty
- Only works for dry cat food
2. Cat Mate Automatic Cat Feeder – Best Value
This cat feeder seems to have it all: it is programmable, easy to use, strong, and is one of the most budget-friendly cat feeders on the market. The Cat Mate cat feeder comes with an ingenious dispensing feature: a nozzle-like chute, which is attached to the feeder instead of being built-in. This unique design allows the feeder to release meals as small as two tablespoons, making it great for cats on a diet and for providing treats.
Moreover, the detachable dispenser adds to the C3000’s anti-raccoon nature, as it will simply come off if a determined raccoon tries to force it to release food. However, unlike other automatic models that define meal sizes in cups, the C3000 uses a system known as “feed units.” One unit holds 10 grams of food, allowing you greater flexibility regarding portion control.
As mentioned, the C3000 is highly customizable. For starters, it comes with the basic preset function that allows you to choose when the feeder releases food. There is also a “manual feed” mode, which allows you to override the preset feed times when you want to feed the cat immediately.
The “extra feed” mode is handy on days you feel your pet deserves an extra snack. When you choose the “frequent feed” mode, the machine dispenses small portions throughout the day at set intervals. This last mode is excellent for overweight cats since it allows them to eat as frequently as they are accustomed to without overeating.
You also do not have to worry about any raccoon breaking into the C3000, thanks to the feeder’s hopper lid with a sturdy snap lock. Additionally, as mentioned, the detachable dispenser ensures that no animal can force it to release food. What’s more, the C3000 can be mounted to a wooden platform for even extra stability.
Cleaning this unit is easy, as most parts, such as the feeding bowl, dispensing nozzle, hopper, and lid, are dishwasher safe. The base unit will do fine with simple wiping. We didn’t like that the feeder loses the preset programs once you remove the batteries. Fortunately, this is not too much of an inconvenience, thanks to the batteries’ relatively long lifespan of 9 months.
When you compare what you get from this unit versus what you pay for it, the Cat Mate C3000 is undeniably one of the best raccoon-proof cat feeders for the money.
- Numerous functions for flexibility and convenience
- Customizable
- Ingenious design to prevent forced entry
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to clean
- Good battery life
- Great value
- Loses preset programs when batteries are removed
3. SureFeed Microchip Cat Feeder – Premium Choice
If your mind is set on getting the most raccoon-proof cat feeder on the planet at any cost, the Microchip Cat Feeder by SureFeed might just be it. This unit prevents access to raccoons and any other pet, including other cats, that should not be eating from this feeder. So, how does it achieve this seemingly magical feat?
The Microchip Cat Feeder comes with an RFID collar tag with a microchip that pairs with the feeder. This ensures that only cats with the collar can access food from the feeder, as the feeding receptacle only opens when it detects the chip in the cat’s collar. The receptacle seals shut once the cat moves away from the feeder, preventing access to any other animal.
Therefore, unlike other auto feeders that dispense food according to set schedules, the Microchip cat feeder’s primary purpose is to ensure that only cats with special access can eat from it. Therefore, it is an excellent solution for homes with multiple cats.
The Surefeed Microchip cat feeder is also one of the few auto feeders that are compatible with all types of food, including wet cat food. This is because it is essentially a food bowl inside a secure compartment. Nonetheless, you must pay a pretty penny to get this raccoon-proof cat feeder. Thankfully, it comes with a 3-year warranty.
- Ingenious design
- Prevents access to both raccoons and unauthorized pets
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Ideal for special diets
- Can hold both wet and dry food
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Expensive
4. WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder
The WOPET smart pet feeder provides unheralded levels of control. It is not only programmable but also allows you to control it remotely. Like other auto feeders, the WOPET smart feeder comes with an easy-to-use LCD screen that allows you to schedule mealtimes as well as control portion sizes. It allows you to preset a maximum of four mealtimes.
Regarding portion size, you can program this feeder to release between 2 tablespoons and 4½ cups per meal. The good news is that you can customize specific portions for each of the 4 meals. The WOPET smart feeder has a voice recorder that lets you record a message for your kitty to notify them of their mealtimes. This is quite a nice touch, we must admit.
As its name suggests, this feeder has “smart” functionality. It has internet connectivity to allow for syncing with other smart devices. The WOPET smart feeder can use your home’s Wi-Fi to connect to Android and iOS devices. Once you connect the feeder to your preferred device, it becomes an interactive cat monitor with remote functionality.
You get to see what your kitty is up to via the wide-angle 720P camera and talk to them via your phone’s microphone. This also means you can see any bandit (raccoon) trying to figure the feeder out and scare them away using your voice. Also, you can even use the app to adjust feeding schedules.
For example, you can trigger the feeder to release a meal if the cat could use a treat. Moreover, the app keeps records, allowing you to keep track of how much you have been feeding your cat. The WOPET smart feeder runs on a dual power supply system, which includes a power adapter and backup batteries.
This makes it one of the most reliable cat feeders, as it does not rely on short-lived batteries while ensuring functionality in a power outage. Considering all the features the WOPET smart feeder comes with, there is no doubt it is as raccoon-proof as a cat feeder can get. As you can imagine, this feeder is anything but cheap. Another drawback is that it only works with dry food.
- Smart functionality – allows for remote control
- Easy to set up and program
- Extreme control and convenience
- Voice recording function to remind your cat of their mealtime
- Reliable – works even during power outages
- Comes with a webcam
- Large capacity feeder – holds up to 20 cups
- Expensive
- Only holds dry food
5. PetSafe Smart Automatic Cat Feeder
This automatic feeder by PetSafe is also a smart unit, meaning that it is packed with ultra-modern features for greater control and convenience. Thus, being raccoon-proof is only a side benefit. Like the WOPET smart feeder, the Petsafe Smart Feed also has a phone app that allows you to monitor your cat remotely. While you can program the unit to release food at preset times, the app allows you to dispense food out of the preset times.
You can program up to 12 mealtimes in a day, making it an excellent choice for cats that love eating small portions throughout the day. You can also customize portion sizes for each meal, ranging between ⅛ cups and 4 cups per meal. You will also appreciate the “slow feed” function that dispenses food gradually over 15 minutes.
Overall, it is a great feeder that offers you lots of conveniences. Unfortunately, for a smart feeder, it is somewhat disappointing that it does not alert you when the food levels are low. Moreover, it does not come with a camera.
- Smart functionality
- Highly customizable
- Allows you to feed the cat remotely
- Sturdy build
- Pricey
- Does not come with a camera
- Noisy
Buyer’s Guide: Buying the Best Raccoon-Proof Cat Feeders
No cat feeder is designed with the primary objective of being raccoon-proof. However, there are raccoon-proof feeders on the market whose inherent design makes them pest-proof: automatic cat feeders.
Automatic cat feeders only dispense food at programmed times. Therefore, you can set the machine to dispense food only during the daytime, as raccoons usually come out to scavenge at night. When raccoons realize that no more cat food can be scavenged on your property, their nightly visits will stop.
Another great thing about auto cat feeders is their convenience, as you do not have to worry about your cat missing meals when you are away. Moreover, some models even allow you to dispense food remotely. Therefore, auto cat feeders are the way to go if you are tired of raccoons having their way with your cat’s food.
However, as mentioned, automatic cat feeders can vary significantly in design and quality. You need to know what to look for in an auto feeder to find a model that suits your needs best. In the next section, we’ll share the most important factors when looking for an automatic cat feeder.
Ease of Use
You do not want a machine that forces you to refer to the manual each time you want to program a meal schedule for your cat. You want one that is straightforward to use. The best auto cat feeders allow you to program in a minute or two.
Food Versatility
Unfortunately, not all auto cat feeders can work with dry and wet cat food. In fact, most only handle dry food. Therefore, if you like switching between wet and dry foods, ensure the unit you buy can hold and dispense both.
Ease of Cleaning
When evaluating an auto cat feeder, check whether its parts are dishwasher-friendly, which will make maintenance a lot easier. Therefore, avoid feeders with complex designs since they can be challenging to clean.
Smart Features
Not all auto cat feeders have smart functionality. Smart feeders are incredibly convenient due to the level of control they provide. They connect with your home Wi-Fi and sync with your mobile devices. This allows you to instruct the unit to dispense food whenever you feel like it, regardless of the preexisting meal schedules. Some smart cat feeders even come with a camera to allow you to monitor your cat remotely.
Price
As you can imagine, automatic cat feeders are much more expensive than standard feeders, and understandably so. Therefore, be prepared to pay more if you buy one of these feeders.
Our Best Raccoon-Proof Cat Feeders Selection Process
Catster’s dedicated team of writers and editors collaborate with expert veterinarians, considering a wide range of factors when selecting the best raccoon-proof feeders for cats. These parameters include customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, and in some cases, hands-on testing. Of course, our cats have a say in the process, too! We strive to select and review the highest-quality products available, to help you choose the best possible product and make the most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.
Why Trust Catster?
Catster has been a trusted online brand since 2001, so we know a thing or two about raccoon-proof feeders. We’re a team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians dedicated to helping you make the most informed decision for your feline. We deeply believe in providing the best information for cat owners to help their cats live their best life possible. We look at reviews from the most trusted sources available, and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options on the market. Our team is invested in the welfare and health of cats around the world, and believe that expert knowledge is one of the best ways to achieve this.
Conclusion
Automatic cat feeders are excellent options when looking for a raccoon-proof cat feeder. They not only feature sturdy builds but also outsmart raccoons. We recommend going with the PetSafe Programmable Cat Feeder. It is practical, user-friendly, holds a large amount of food, and comes at a reasonable price. If you want the best bang for your buck, consider the Cat Mate Automatic Cat Feeder. Considering all the remarkable features the C3000 comes with, its price is a bargain. The other models in the above reviews are excellent options, too.
- You might also want to know: Can Cats and Raccoons Mate? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ
Featured Image Credit: SureFeed, Chewy
