Question

how to keep raccoons out of outside cat food without harming the cats

Answer 1

This is a very difficult problem as most things that will prevent the raccoons from coming into the yard may also potentially be a problem for cats.  A few things to try are making sure that all garbage is secure.  Eliminating the raccoon food source is a good way to get them to move on.  If they are eating the cat food you may consider moving the food indoors.  Worst case scenario you may need to call an exterminator to remove the animals.

Answer 2

Raccoons are very dangerous, they are not afraid of humans, dog or cats.  They are noturnal animals......so taking the cat food in a night time is recommended.  Putting your trash cans in a locked garage  will also keep them moving.  If anyone near you has any fruit dropped on the ground that also will draw them.  If you have a chimney make sure that your chimney cap is tighly secured or they will move in your chimney and have babies.  I also would alert your neighbors because racoons have diseases that they can transmit to your and to the animals.  Many carry rabies disease.  They especially like chickens....and will rip chicken wire right off the cage.  They have been known to kill all the chickens...and just take one.  So we did  fencing around our chicken coop and a metal door with a lock on it.  Also if you can take the cat food inside..............and spray pure amnonia along the wall at the floor, along the steps in the inside corners...........around the edge of the porch..............they travel by scent................they won't like this scent...............