DEAR JOAN: Any non-lethal suggestions for dealing with raccoons that poach food placed on an outside deck for outdoor-only cats? The racoons (mother and cubs) take the food and are not deterred by spraying water or loud noises, and the cats are intimidated.

— R.B.F., Oakland

DEAR R.: The easiest solution is to not leave the cat food out after dusk. Any “smart” devices that would keep out the raccoons would also keep out the cats. Raccoons are more adept at getting into things than cats are, thanks to their paws that are like human hands.

You can change the times that you put out the food, and the cats will adjust their schedule. Unfortunately, eventually the raccoons will figure it out too.

The best solution is to put the food out for the cats, then pick it up after they’ve fed. It’s not perfect, but that’s the only one I know of. If readers have found a better option, please let me know.

DEAR JOAN: One morning I looked out the window and saw my patio cushion had been torn apart. The next morning I saw a squirrel on the chair back. I turned the damage to the back, but the next day it was also torn apart. How do I keep this from continuing?

— C. Griffin, Redwood City

DEAR C.: Squirrels, the reason we can’t have nice things.

Squirrels will rip apart cushions to get to the creamy center. Oh wait, that’s me and Oreos. But the squirrels tear into pillows to get the stuffing to pad their nests, especially when they have young ones to take care of.

Your best option is to tuck the destroyed pillows in a quiet corner of the yard and let the squirrels have them. Keep new and undamaged pillows locked safely away, putting them out only when you are outside to enjoy them. Yes, it’s a hassle, but when it comes to sharing our space with wildlife, we need to be flexible.

DEAR JOAN: You asked for animal stories and mine is more of a protective guardian than a grateful animal story.

When I was a kid, we moved about every six months for my dad’s job. As a result, I lived in 12 different states and attended even more school systems before I was 18.

On one move, we had rented a hotel room and were bedded down for the night. Our cat, a 40-lb massive Maine Coon tom, was in the room with us. We awoke to a growl from him and a man’s scream. Apparently, some guy tried to break into our room, but our massive guard cat attacked. My dad woke up in time to see our cat wrapped around the head of whoever the person was. Dad yelled, our cat let go, and the perp ran.

I have owned cats all of my life, and I have seen many things, but that was the only time I saw a cat attack a human. The cat lived to the ripe age of 26. Sweet boy.

— Chris Knoblaugh, Sunnyvale

DEAR CHRIS: Are you sure that was a Maine coon and not a tiger? Thanks for the great story.

The Animal Life column runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris@gmail.com.