Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: blackcat on January 01, 2008, 10:09:51 AM
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OK I woke up this morning to a cat-free residence, either esther or Smidgen had managed to open the cat flap (despite both locks still firmly in place) and both of them were outside. Clear evidence of desperate attempts to get back in (muddy footprints) but since the flap was the other side of the locks they had not been able to do so. Both returned as soon as I got the door open to let the dog out. Now I am worried. I am going away for two nights in the not too distant future - should I leave the flap open all the time for them (exposing them to the associated nocturnal risks) or what?!! An alternative might be to bring food,water, litter box etc into the living room and locking down the back half of the house, but this is scary. Wish I hadn't installed one now! >:(
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Yes if it were me I would leave it unlocked. I have the same problem with my catflap.
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That is a hard one. What a pair of Houdinis!
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Oh dear - little monkeys! I don't know what to suggest. Perhaps a strait jacket for Smidgen?
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Perhaps a strait jacket for Smidgen?
ah yes, the active ones always get the blame!! :rofl: I suspect in this instance it was Esther who has shown a rather more determined approach to making the cat flap do what she wants it to do than Smidgen has. He was tucked up in bed with me because he was afraid of the fireworks ... But obviously that changed at some stage of the night (or should I say morning, because I slept in this AM).
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I would leave it open too cos they obviously want to get back in and not stay out
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Oh dear BC. I imagine they were not happy with all the fireworks last night. Poor puddies.
I don't know what type of catflap you've got. We have a very basic catflap which is either fully open or firmly shut with plastic sheet slotted in place inside. They actually broke the flap about 10 days ago and I'm waiting for someone to come a drill new holes to replace outside flap bit. Currently no flap so either a big hole or plastic sheet slotted in place to keep them safe from fireworks.
If we were going away, I would ensure that they couldn't accidentally get locked out again even though that they may mean them having free access but ours normally have 24/7 access in any event.
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I wouldnt leave them with free rein if your away for 2 days, id board it up so they cant interfere with it.
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You're right rosella - we had the most incredible fireworks here last night - far worse than Guy Fawkes. Smidgen was frightened so snuggled under the duvey with me and Shadow was on the bed too - it was pretty crowded! ;) I think Esther broke out and Smidge went down later when it all quietened down and found he could go out. I have been pinging them with a rubber band from the door of the kitchen when they try to get out tonight, hopefully this will train them not to do it...