Raccoon Resistant CAT FEEDING STATION - yard

Raccoon Resistant CAT FEEDING STATION
  ..... yard version .....

  IMPORTANT MEASUREMENTS
FEEDER & LANDING PLATFORM:  27"L x 25"W x 15"H
 
4x4 POST & GALVANIZED BAFFLE:   5"W x 47"L 

GROUND ANCHOR:  approx 31"L x 4"W

Having an outdoor feeding area for our cats is convenient for both us and them.  Those of us who allow our cats to go outside or are caring for ferals/strays, find it easier to set out food & water for them to use throughout their day.  It becomes part of everyone's routine.  However, leaving food out for them is possibly going to attract some unwelcome guests like raccoons, opossums, and even the neighborhood dog/cat.  Of course, you can’t blame them for taking advantage of the opportunity because they are simply doing what all animals & wildlife do ..... seeking out food & shelter for survival.  In the end, it’s best for everyone if these unwelcomed guests are kept away from your cat feeders and off your property altogether.  Feeding them all only encourages them to come back as they make it part of their routine.  Besides taking measures on and around your property to keep them away, feeding your cats in an elevated feeding station is an important must.  This is why we are offering two different types of CAT FEEDING STATIONS.  One is for use on a porch, patio, or deck and the other is for use in a yard and around landscaping.

When offering an elevated feed station for your cats, it's important to have it high enough so that it is out of reach of predators, but not so high that your cats cannot access it.  After much research (plus trial and error), we developed a couple of feed stations that work well.  Each will raise your cat's food bowls up high enough while not allowing raccoons to pull themselves up to the food and opossums (and raccoons) cannot climb up to the food.  Below are details for the YARD version.

TOOLS NEEDED:  The only tools needed will be a Phillips Screwdriver, a Nut Driver, and a Hammer  The Phillips will secure the post into the base, the baffle onto the post, the feeder onto the post, and the landing platform onto the feeder.  The Nut Driver would be used to attach the roof to the body of the feeder and tighten the ground socket bolts to hold the wooden post upright.  A standard wrench could also be used.  The Hammer will be used to drive the ground socket into the ground. A scrap piece of wood is included to insert into the socket for hammering.  Detailed instructions and illustrations are all included.  In case you do not have access to tools, we have also offered them below in our OPTIONS section.  One grouping of tools are for manual use and hand tightening.  The other grouping of tools are for electric use and would make the securing of hardware easier versus hand-tightening.  

THE GROUND ANCHOR & 4x4 POST:  The ground anchor is a long, extra thick sturdy ground anchor for 4x4 posts.  It is used in mailbox installations and also household deck support.  This will be hammers into the ground approximately 24" deep.  Instructions are included on how to easily do that even if dealing with compacted soil.  A scrap piece of wood is included that inserts into the socket so that you can hammer down on it without damaging the top of the socket.  Once secured into the ground, the 4x4 post slides snug into the socket and then is secured into place with the hardware provided.  Once secure, the socket and 4x4 are connected as one strong base system that will hold the feeder itself.  It is recommended to seal the entire system to help protect the cedar and help maintain its natural new cedar-look longer.  We do offer a sealing service at the bottom of this listing called CEDAR SEAL.  

THE 4x4 POST & GALVANIZED BAFFLE:  The galvanized baffle is one of the most important features of this system.  It is a long, metal cylinder that is manufactured from high quality galvanized steel.  It has been coated with a protective Rustoleum tan enamel that matches the color scheme of the cedar system.  The baffle simply slides down onto a wooden post and secured into position with the hardware included.  The purpose of the baffle is to prevent raccoons & opossums from climbing up to the feeder.  Their claws cannot dig into the steel piping, therefore, making it hard for them to get a foothold for climbing.  As an added measure, some like to coat the pipe with lithium grease, motor oil, or Vaseline/other to help make it slippery.  The height of the 4x4 post itself has been determined to be low enough to allow cats to jump up onto the landing platform, but high enough so that raccoons cannot grab onto the feeder edges and pull themselves up.  This baffle system is based on a similar system to prevent squirrels from getting into bird feeders.  A squirrel cannot climb up to the feeder due to its claws not being able to grab onto the galvanized steel.

Also, it is equally important to have the system away from trees and tree limb overhangs.  These structures just act as stepping stones for squirrels to get to a bird feeder.  The same principle applies with the cat feeding station:  do not have near trees or areas where a predator can drop onto the feeder and bypass the entire system.  Here at The Ark Workshop, we have been making designs for animals & wildlife for 30 years, and we have found that this system (of proper feeder height along with creating an inability to climb up to the food) works great in thwarting the efforts of unwanted food thieves.

SIDE NOTE:  When installing the baffle, it is recommended to slide the baffle on first and let it rest on the ground socket/ground.  Then, slide the feed shelter/landing platform onto the 4x4 post and secure that into place.  Then, slide the baffle back up to the underside of the feeder and secure with the hardware provide.  These steps, along with a lot of other information and guidance, are included with the instructions' booklet that accompanies each feed station.  

THE FEED SHELTER & LANDING PLATFORM:  The feed shelter and landing platform are shipped unattached to one another.  A Phillips Screwdriver is all that is needed for attachment.  A baseplate sleeve has been secured to the underside of the feed shelter.  This will make attaching it to the 4x4 post very easy.  Simply slide the feed shelter down onto the 4x4 post and tighten the hardware/screws provided.  As mentioned earlier, detailed instructions are included with each system.  The roof of the feed shelter pivots up/down.  This will allow you to clean and change out food bowls when that time comes.  Also, the roof of the feed shelter is protected with a durable cedar-slatted roof.  This gives great protection to the feeder below while providing a decorative look as well.  The landing platform attaches to the perimeter of the feeder.  Instructions included.   Also, we offer an item called a JUMP BUDDY and it is described in our OPTIONS section below.  This is a small box platform that can serve as an aid for cats when trying to jump up onto the landing platform. 

DO-IT-YOURSELF ideas:
Included with this feeding station is a very informative booklet called "The Ark Workshop Raccoon Resistant Cat Feeding Stations ... a complete guide for winning the battle".   This is an excellent resource.  Besides providing step-by-step instructions on putting together your feed station, it provides extra information on DIY ideas that you can implement in combination with your feed station.  Below are a few excerpts from the booklet.

"Raccoons & opossums are primarily nocturnal animals. While they do sometimes venture out during the daytime, they’re far more likely to sneak your cat’s food while everyone is asleep.  Any food that’s left outside is going to attract wild animals.  Raccoons are attracted to all food, not just cat food. If your trash cans sit outside at night, that is a huge contributor to what’s attracting these critters to your property in the first place. Do your best to eliminate access to all food sources and keep trash secured in plastic bins.  Research has proven that mint-scented trash bags are known to be a smell that raccoons do not like.  You can purchase these at ..."

• "There are certain scents that raccoons & opossums do not like and will avoid.  Here are some you can try and some homemade recipes which have proven to ...... "  
• "Landscape around your feeding station.  Plant shrubs that are thorny and make it difficult for any predator that may want to investigate your cat's feeding area.  Barberry shrubs and rose bushes are some plants that act as good deterrents.  Others include ..... "
• "Motion-sensor lights are an easy way to scare off raccoon & opossums that come into your yard.  Since these animals are nocturnal, they have a sensitivity to light which cats do not.  When motion is detected, the light will turn on which will ...."
• "Fences are another common way to try and keep raccoons from eating your cat food by keeping them off your property altogether. You’ll want to build a fence that goes underground level so .........."
• "Sometimes cat owners try everything they can think of to keep raccoons out of the yard, but have no luck. This is where animal control can help you. These professionals can survey your property, set traps, remove raccoon families, and give you ......"

SHIPPING:  
The entire FEED STATION system will ship in 3-4 boxes.  Shipping charges are determined by our zip code, your zip code, box sizes & weight.   We do not add any extra for box costs or handling.  We ship both FEDEX and UPS.  If you have any special delivery instructions for the carrier, you can include those on your order form in the section SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. 

SUMMARY ..... Raccoon Proof or Raccoon Resistant?
While raccoons aren’t the worst pests out there, there are certainly times when they can feel unstoppable. If you’re having a problem with raccoons eating your cat food, then try one of these feed stations.  We feel you'll be happy with your investment.  Although we do not use the term "Raccoon Proof", these feed stations are very effective in discouraging raccoons when set-up correctly and used in conjunction with the tips & techniques described in the booklet.  Depending upon the persistence of your raccoons, you will probably need to do a little "landlording" versus set-it-up and forget it.  When used together, these feeding stations will PROVE to be extremely efficient in keeping raccoons out of your cat's food bowls.

OPTIONAL FEATURES:  At the bottom of this page will be a way to choose options for your house.  When selecting an option below, simply check-mark the option and then type "yes" or "y" or "1" in the drop-down box.  The option & amount will be added.  You can add/remove options as you wish.  If needing additional quantites of any particular option below, simply go to the the ACCESSORIES section and additional items can be ordered there.  Those will then be added and shipped with your order.  Click here to open ACCESSORIES window. 

FEED STATION NAME PLATE: $19 for an @ 3" x 12" name plate that can be secured to the house. The name plate can be the pet's name, etc or some cute saying that will give visitors a chuckle. The longer the name (or letters) the smaller the font size. The letters are professionally typeset fonts which are latex laminated to a wooden board. The latex laminate allows it to withstand weather. Plate is shipped unattached so that customer can determine where it should be placed. Screws provided.  Right click picture for larger view.

CEDAR SEAL: $75 we will seal the entire system.  Cedar is one of the best woods to use for outdoor items. It is a wood that can expand and contract with warm and cold weather. It is a great insulator. After a period of time, cedar will begin to lighten to a silvery gray. However, if you want to keep cedar looking its TAN color longer, then a sealant is recommended. We use a product called CLEAR WOOD FINISH. It is low odor, water-soluble, and penetrates deep into the pores of the cedar.......providing a clear coat of protection and preserving the tan color.  If you do order the cedar seal option, any small accessories ordered will also be sealed.   The inside of the feeder is kept natural. Right click picture for larger view.

 2  NON-SKID METAL BOWLS: $22 for 2 bowl set.  Serve your cat their favorites with these 2 bowls.  Can be   used to put dry food in each receptacle or put food in one and water in the other.  High-Gloss Steel Finish for easy   cleaning. Non skid rubber bottoms. Size approx 6"L x 1.5"H.  Each holds 6 FL oz.  Right click picture for larger view.

POLY DOUBLE BOWL: $19.  Serve your cat their favorites with this double bowl.  Can be used to put dry food in each receptacle or put food in one and water in the other. High-Gloss Finish for easy cleaning; Dishwasher Safe; Unbreakable (under normal use). Bowl color/design shipped may be a different color due to supply.  Size approx 11.5"L x 6.5"W x 2.5"H. Weight: .5lb.  Holds 16 oz or .5L.  Right click picture for larger view.

AUTO FEEDER & AUTO WATERER: $39 for the set.  These auto feeder & waterers are designed to keep your cat or small dog supplied with plenty of food & water when you're busy or away from home.  It is a small auto feeder that holds up to 1.5 lbs. of dry cat or dog food and the waterer holds up to 1 liter of liquid.  The automatic feature distributes the food and water automatically.  Both come apart for easy cleaning, then easily snap back together.  They're constructed of 20 percent recycled durable plastic. The color/design of the ones shipped may sometimes vary due to the manufacturer's supply.  • Size:  9"long  x  6"wide  x  8"tall.   • 1.5 lb food capacity, 1 liter water capacity.  • Removable lids for easy cleaning. Right click picture for larger view.

JUMP BUDDY: $59 for this handy item.  Place this small cedar box/platform near your feeding station.  The ideal distance is approx 3 feet away (or less) and in the front area of your station.  Cats can use this as a "jump assist" to more easily get up to the feed area.  Cats can jump 4-5 feet vertically and horizontally.  This JUMP BUDDY will help shorten that distance for them.  It is great for older cats that are not as spry as they once were.  Product size is approx 15"H x 16.5"L x 14"W.  Raccoons may also test it out, but because they cannot jump, it won't assist them in getting to the food.  Some DIY methods to use are logs/tree stump, plastic milk crate, inverted storage tote, weighted down 5 gallon bucket, and other.  Some like to put a water tray inside the jump buddy and offer water here instead of inside the feeder.  In case the water spills, food is kept dry if the water is offered in a different location.  Below is the JUMP BUDDY version with a water basin. Right click picture for larger view.

 JUMP BUDDY with water basin: $69 for these handy items.  As described above, it is called a JUMP BUDDY and you place it near your feeding station. The ideal distance is approx 3 feet away (or less) and in the front area of your station.  Cats can use this as a "jump assist" to more easily get up to the feed area.  Cats can jump 4-5 feet vertically and horizontally.  This JUMP BUDDY will help shorten that distance for them.  It is great for older cats that are not as spry as they once were.  Product size is approx 15"H x 16.5"L x 14"W.  Raccoons may also test it out, but because they cannot jump, it won't assist them in getting to the food.  Some DIY methods to use are logs/tree stump, plastic milk crate, inverted storage tote, weighted down 5 gallon bucket, and other.  Some like to put a water tray inside the jump buddy and that is offered here as well.  The water basin measures 14.5"L x 10.5"W x 4"H.  Some feel it best to not have water in the feeder as it might spill and get the food wet.  Offering it here will avoid that.  Right click picture for larger view.

INNER FEED TROUGH: $49 for an inner feed trough dispensing system.  Using this system keeps the food protected toward the back and you do not need to use food bowls.  This allows more feeding room for your cats.  The trough holds approx 96oz of food or 6 lbs.  Top picture shows the food being dispensed and the bottom picture shows the inside of the feeder with the trough full.  The feed trough is securely installed and works great with the pivoting roof.  Right click picture for larger view.

MANUAL TOOLS to use: $29.  In case you do not have access to tools, we wanted to be able to offer you some here.  A Phillips Screwdriver, 1/2" Nut Driver, and Hammer are needed to use MANUAL POWER to assemble.  Instructions and directions included. Right click picture for larger view.

ELECTRIC TOOLS to use: $59.  If you wanted to use ELECTRIC POWER, then these are the items that would be needed.  Instructions and directions included.  Extension cord probably needed for drill.  Right click picture for larger view. 

$20 CUSTOMIZATION:  Sometimes customers need some extra customizations on their house.  Usually, there's no extra charge to place things like .... entrances, windows, escape doors, etc ....  in different locations.  However, if you wanted an extra window, extra entrance, extra poly door or something that is not mentioned in our options section, this would be the place to order that.  Simply check mark the $20 customization option below and describe what you're needing.  There is also a section at the end of the order process, called SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS, whereby you can share your request there.  You can also email us directly if you have any questions about your customization.  

PLEASE REFER TO HOME PAGE FOR CURRENT TURNAROUND TIME 

SELECTING OPTIONS TIP:  When selecting an option below, simply check-mark the option and then type "yes" or "y" or "1" in the drop-down box.  This will add the option to your order.  If needing additional quantites of any particular option below, simply go to the the ACCESSORIES section and additional items can be ordered there.  Those will then be added and shipped with your order. Click here to open ACCESSORIES window.