Keeping a Raccoon as a Pet

I've written about Harley before. She's a raccoon that we saved over a year ago from cats. She dealt with a mother that apparently didn't want her. She's a big part of our family now and will be for years to come.

Harley is a good sized raccoon now. She's reached her full maturity and just continues to amaze us. Of course, we still have problems with her, too. Just this morning, she took a chunk out of my hand. It was my fault, though. She got into our bedroom, which is now a forbidden place, and I was trying to catch her to get her out. Anytime I try to stop her from doing something she wants to do, she can become very mean. That's exactly what happened this morning. I grabbed her and she turned and just bit me right between the thumb and pointing finger. Ouch! It is sore and really bled for a while. But, it's going to heal and won't get infected. I washed it and put antibiotic ointment on it. Don't panic! She's had all of her shots! I won't go rabid!

As I write this, she insists upon being in my lap. She's been very active this morning and once she got past being angry with me, she's been very loving. We used to let her stay in our bed during the day, but then she started peeing on it! As much as my husband argued with me about it, I had to put a stop to her going in there. So, now because of Harley, all of our bedroom doors stay closed while she is loose in the house. Most of the time, we do let her roam. Our theory is that if she can't survive in the wild and she's going to be a part of the family, then she shouldn't have to stay locked up in a cage all of the time. Usually the only time we put her in her kennel is at night, otherwise, we won't get any sleep! She still has her nocturnal instincts, even though they probably aren't as strong as they should be. The older she gets, it seems the longer she stays awake during the day and sleeps more at night. I'm sure we have a lot of influence on that because of the noise we create during the day. She always wants to be a part of what's going on. I just now had to get her out of my lap because she was interfering with my writing.

One observation I've made with Harley is that she does possess motherly instincts. We haven't had her spayed yet, but are planning on it, and I wonder if that will change her any. I'm hoping it will make her more friendly but I do not want her to lose the motherly instincts. Our daughter recently brought home some orphaned kittens from Lowe's. Their mother was a stray and had given birth to them in the garden center. Unfortunately, a rat larger than the cat killed her. Fearing for their little lives, we brought the four of them home. This is the second rescue of kittens our daughter has performed since working at Lowe's. We did find homes for two and decided to keep two for ourselves. They were probably about 4 or 5 weeks old when we brought them home. I had worried about how Harley would treat them. I shouldn't have. She's actually been really good for them.

The first thing Harley taught the kittens, was to how to use the litter pan. Which I find rather strange, because Harley doesn't always use it herself. She still goes wherever she wants! But, the kittens understood after being shown the first time! They regularly use the littler pan now. They don't have the "accidents" that Harley herself has throughout the house.

I've also noticed how she sleeps with the kittens, which by the way, we named Roan and Storm. When it's nap time, they have a way of getting under the couch together and they sleep for hours there. Not only that, but she bathes them. It's not a bath like a mother cat would give to a kitten, though. This bath includes chewing and pulling on the hair. The kittens may cry a little, but put up with it. They always come out soaked, but clean. She does get a little rough, but it may be her way of teaching them to fight. Just like dogs, cats must learn to get along with each other and they play fight to see how far they can get. Harley will ball them up and push them around, teaching them to defend themselves. I've just truly been amazed at how she treats the kittens. I can't wait until they are grown to see how they all get along then!

One of Harley's favorite things to do is to play in the bathtub. My son put in marbles for her to roll around. It sure gets noisy, but she is getting stimulation and exercise this way. She climbs in and out of her own accord. At times, we'll put in a little water and let her splash around. You can't really give a coon a bath, so this is the best alternative.

Sometimes we'll allow Harley to roam in the backyard, but we always stay with her. Her climbing skills are not the best and she does tend to get herself stranded in trees. I think that's why her mother pushed her out of the nest - something was wrong with her development. We know it would be best if she were released into the wild, but we just don't believe she'd survive.

She is a very vocal part of the household. Purring and chattering away when she's content and happy. Growling and snarling when she's not getting her way. She is very pushy and can be very mean, but she is loved. Even though I hate to admit it. Her favorite person in the family is my husband. When he's home, she's with him constantly.

As I close, she's climbed back up on me. I can tell she's getting tired because she's pawing at my neck. This is a sign that she wants to nest and go to sleep. But her claws sure do hurt! My advice to those rescuing coons - do your research and know what you are getting into! She is a handful, but worth the experience!