Raccoon Entering Home via Cat Door: Health Risks and Exclusion Strategies

Immediate Action

Close the cat door and sliding doors at night. Raccoons carry rabies and baylisascaris roundworm; you can contract diseases without being bitten (e.g., touching saliva‑contaminated dishes).

Exclusion Options

• Special collar‑activated pet doors exist but are often plastic and easily broken.
• If legal, live‑trap and remove the raccoon (check state laws; some prohibit relocation of rabies‑vector species).
• Electronic deterrents (see DC Jincks’ site) can discourage raccoons from the property.

Don’t Wait

One raccoon attracts others. Secure all entry points immediately for your family’s and pets’ safety.