Hi JFDrake
I had a problem with cats as well this year, including them getting into boxes with entrances smaller than the size other people have said cats can’t get into. And eating hog food which cats aren’t supposed to like. I also have a hog (still visiting) who doesn’t like going into boxes and prefers to eat out of doors. I seem to have found a solution – so far at least.
I have a piece of see through plastic/perspex sheeting balanced on top of 3 litre flower pots, filled with earth, at the corners – bricks on top to stop it from blowing away/being lifted by the cats. It has the added advantage that it keeps the food dry if it rains. The hog is quite happy with this arrangement and seems to consider it as still outdoors. A cat did attempt to get under once, but I added a small extension and it hasn’t happened since. So I think as big a piece of perspex as you can manage is probably better (although you may need more pots) I just used what was around. One side against something gives added protection and you can place the food bowls near the back.
It is so easy to do and clear out of the way for the daytime, and mostly people have flower pots around. You could use a sheet of wood, but the perspex has the advantage of being able to see the hogs through it.
Since the cats haven’t been able to get at the food, they haven’t been visiting so often. Although that could be the colder weather – time will tell.
Good luck.
