Caught Red-handed

[Shell Dweller]

A few months ago we got 2 new kittens, and as our 2 shep/rotti dogs were quite inquisitive about these new additions we put up a childs barrier gate in the doorway to their room so they could escape from being picked up and drooled upon. The gate was used and missing one of the rubber side bumpers and was only meant as a temporary barrier until the dogs and cats got used to each other which they have, and also to keep the dogs away from their food. The cats now sleep with the dogs, nestled up beside them on their beds.

Lately my wife has said the cats food seems to be disappearing overnight. I have noticed the gate laying on the floor in the morning a few times when I get up for work and assumed the cats knocked it over while jumping over it. This morning around 4am I heard the gate fall over and heard one of our dogs getting up and go to the kitchen. So I got up and followed him and as I reached the kitchen who should be walking out of the cats room....the other dog licking his chops as he seems to have needed a little middle of the night cat food snack.

I guess its time for a piece of chain and a latch, leaving the door open enough for the cats to come and go but small enough to keep the dogs out.

[onefishtwofish]

i don't think chain will keep dogs that size away from a food source! they will probably just pop it open with their chests.......you may need to put on a small cat door

[Immus21]

I don't know that you caught your dog red handed, more like red pawed!

[Shell Dweller]

Chain will work as I have used it before, the dogs wont force themselves into the room. 4 inch opening just so the cats can get in and out, to small even for the dogs head.

[onefishtwofish]

oh thats good. i guess i am used to my big fat cats..................