However, there are cases where a raccoon has been able to defeat nearly every one of them. What to do?

We have identified two solutions:

•  Best bet is to buy a pet door that's going to work.  Unlike other electronic pet doors, they control in both directions, not just against intruders. So a raccoon cannot hook the flap with his claw, pull it open and duck under to get in. Here's the list that we believe will work:  Plexidor Electronic Door, Hi Tech Power Pet Door, Cat Mate Elite Series and PetSafe Smart Door Large and Medium.
   
•  A customer suggested this: "I did poke around on the internet, and found a potential solution--someone had put their cat door several feet off the ground, so that the cat had to jump up to a platform before entering. Since raccoons don't jump like cats, this should be an effective deterrent." 
   
•   Another suggested this:
  "Installing a small radio tuned to a talk show to suggest human presence. Another was spraying an orange terpine spray on the door area. Both claim transparency to cats, but how long they will fool a smart 'coon was not defined in the postings.
   
•   Lastly, I found a site "guaranteeing" a critter repellent specially suited for 'coons called "Shake-Away". It is said to make the 'coons avoid the area and contains powdered fox urine. They say the 'coon fears trespassing larger animal territories and will not frequent the location once you treat it as directed. It also claims it will NOT to spook your pets." Unfortunately, we have some indication that this may not be as successful as we had hoped.

We'd like to solicit feedback from anyone trying these or other solutions. Contact Alan at alan@petdoors.com.
 

Plexidor Electronic

Cat Mate Elite