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PaperclipPerfector  1mo ago (text post)   3043 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for May 17, 2026

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For some reason raccoons keep populating my YouTube feed. They are damn cute creatures, I must say; but I think I’d be hesitant ever getting one. Are they even domesticable? Or are they just friendly “until the time is right?”

Last pets I recently had were three cats. Two of them passed away a few years back and were up there in age, the last one is up there in age now and is being taken care of by a relative. One was a most neurotic calico that was insane and hilarious, but I loved her. I actually caught her playing with my gun once after I finished cleaning it and forgot to put it away. The other was a Norwegian forest cat that had a perfectly colored Adolf Hitler mustache (and actually burned his litter box down in our garage once). I love how arrogant cats can be.

They can be tamed but they aren’t domesticated. My dad had one or two growing up.

So a lot like those people that keep tigers in their house. I wouldn’t be afraid to keep a raccoon around but I’d be very hesitant leaving it alone in the house with the cat.

Are they even domesticable? Or are they just friendly

Kinda, my father raised a couple growing up in the backwoods, so I hear the stories. They are super friendly when young but become pretty mean and grouchy as adults. N of 3 so take it with some salt. But I agree they are super cute and adorable with their antics.

Well humans become mean and grouchy when they become adults; I don’t find that a formidable objection.

I too love how cats get indignant at any perceived slight.

Are they even domesticable?

No. Raccoons make worse pets than wolves, bobcats, foxes, raptors, etc. It's actually difficult to think of a carnivore which makes a worse pet without resorting to ones that produce man eating individuals regularly.

So then there really was cause for concern watching this?

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