Do Raccoons Eat Kittens | Here’s Everything You Should Know

Even though this has been the subject of some pretty serious controversy, raccoons can indeed eat cats, small dogs, and other tiny animals. Kittens are in fatal danger if a raccoon is near them.

The wild creature is capable of attacking and eating a kitten. ;

  • Raccoons are also known to eat other small mammals such as rabbits
  • Squirrels
  • Chipmunks
  • Skunks
  • Opossums
  • Rats
  • Mice
  • Hamsters
  • Guinea pigs
  • Birds
  • Reptiles
  • Amphibians
  • Fish
  • Frogs
  • Toads
  • Snakes
  • Lizards
  • Insects
  • Spiders
  • Moths
  • Flies
  • Scorpions
  • Wasps
  • Beetles
  • Grasshoppers
  • Crickets
  • Ants
  • Termites
  • Centipedes
  • Ticks
  • Fleas
  • Cockroaches
  • Snails
  • Slugs
  • Tapeworms
  • Mites

They can also eat eggs, larvae, pupae, tadpoles, nymphs or eggs of other animals, including humans. In fact, they can eat up to 50% of their own body weight in a single meal.

This is why it is so important to keep them away from small children and pets.

Will raccoons kill cats?

So yes, under some circumstances, raccoons can and will kill a cat, and if they do, they may go as far as to eat your beloved pet. It’s important to learn about raccoons and their behavior around household pets so you can keep them away from your home.

Do raccoons and kittens get along?

If you have cats, you may be surprised to know that the raccoons get along well with felines. It’s a good idea to keep your cat companions away from raccoons as much as possible.

What smell will keep raccoons away?

Since raccoons have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find convenient food sources, one can take advantage of this feature by using scents they hate. Hot pepper, garlic, peppermint oil, onion, and Epsom salt are a few examples. Raccoons can also be trained to associate certain smells with food.

For example, a raccoon that has been exposed to the smell of garlic will associate it with garlic-based foods, such as garlic bread and garlic soup. This is a good way to get rid of unwanted odors in your home.

Who would win raccoon or cat?

It’s nearly impossible for a smaller animal to launch an attack that would kill a larger animal. But raccoons aren’t the only animals that can be dangerous to humans. In fact, they’re one of the most dangerous animals in the world, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

They’re also the fastest animals on the planet, able to run at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour (64 km/h) and can jump as high as 15 feet (4.5 m).

Are cats scared of raccoons?

Most cats seem to understand the danger a raccoon poses. They tend to be tolerant of the bandits. As long as a cat does not bother the raccoon, they are not likely to attack. Raccoons are not aggressive to humans, but they will attack if they feel threatened. If you see one in your yard, it is best to leave it alone.

Will a possum kill a kitten?

Opossums do not prey on cats or other larger mammals but will attack them if cornered, or if competing for food. Loss to home gardens can be caused by eating nuts, berries, fruits, and vegetables. They can also cause damage to trees and shrubs by digging up roots and branches.

Will used cat litter keep raccoons away?

Put the soaked rags in plastic baggies and poke holes to let more of the smell out. Either put the bags down by the entrance of the den or hang them up. You can also experiment with used cat litter, as a raccoon may be attracted to it.

What will keep raccoons away but not cats?

Sprinklers can also be used to control rodents, such as mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, skunks, and opossums. If you live in a rural area, you may want to consider installing a sprinkling system in your yard. Sprinkler systems are easy to install and require no special tools or equipment. They can be installed on your own property, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.

Where do raccoons live during the day?

The raccoons find shelter in all environments during the day. In urban areas, raccoons sleep in abandoned cars, dumpsters, and sewer drains, but hide in attics, garages, and underneath decks in suburban areas.

Raccoons are omnivorous – Check the list below

  • Eating almost anything they can find
  • Small mammals
  • Birds
  • Reptiles
  • Amphibians
  • Fish
  • Seeds
  • Fruits
  • Nuts
  • Berries
  • Roots
  • Bark
  • Leaves
  • Twigs
  • Grasses
  • Flowers
  • Insects
  • Fruit
  • Vegetables

They are also opportunistic feeders, feeding on a wide variety of plant and animal species. The raccoon’s diet also includes carrion, garbage, dead animals, bird droppings, rodents, snakes, lizards, frogs, toads, insects and other invertebrates.