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Original poster

Is it possible to feed cats through a letterbox?!

105 replies

Nokeysnoentry · 26/07/2019 20:07

I’ve been feeding my friend’s cats for the past week. As she was due back from her holiday this evening, I put the keys through her letterbox after I had locked up today. Unfortunately her flight has been cancelled and she won’t be back until Sunday evening. What do I do?! I’m most concerned about them not having enough water. Would it be crazy to pop some ice cubes and food pouches through the letterbox?! Or, will they be okay until Sunday?

OP posts:
TwinsWhatAreTheOdds · 26/07/2019 20:09

Can you use wire to hook the keys back up?

gamerchick · 26/07/2019 20:09

Would you go without food until Sunday? No it's not ok, you need to get in that house not put shit through the letterbox.

Lucked · 26/07/2019 20:10

Does anyone else have keys for her house?

Joopy · 26/07/2019 20:10

Can you ask if anyone else has keys?

DonPablo · 26/07/2019 20:10

Any neighbours or other family have spare keys you could get hold of? Or a way in through the back maybe? Or even into the garden via the neighbours somehow??

NotSoThinLizzy · 26/07/2019 20:11

That's what apparently RSPCA do when they cant gain immediate access. If your friend dosent mind melted ice cubes and cat biscuits on the floor? Ask her if anyone has a spare key?

Limer · 26/07/2019 20:11

Can the cats get out via a catflap, or are they confined to indoors?

boringlyboring · 26/07/2019 20:11

The food will smell rancid by Sunday, especially if it’s warm weather. I’m not sure of the alternative though Confused.

Maybe your friend has given spare key to someone?

JacksHat · 26/07/2019 20:13

Locksmith surely?

username678889 · 26/07/2019 20:13

No it's not ok . Ask your friend has anyone else for a spare key .

Coffeeandchocolate9 · 26/07/2019 20:16

Well dried fod would be ok through letterbox but obviously they need water n I think you need to contact friend and ask then what you should do.

Expressedways · 26/07/2019 20:17

No, not ok for the cats, you’ll never get water through in a way they can actually drink and the food will make a huge mess down the back of her door and go rancid. Does anyone else have spare keys? If not I’d start by trying to fish the keys back through the letter box. Alternatively you might be able to push a cat sized bowl of food/water through the cat flap if there is one and it’s a basic model you can just push open. If neither work then call her and get a locksmith- she will probably need to give permission and obviously she should pay you back for the cost.

Expressedways · 26/07/2019 20:18

And actually if the cat goes out, if it’s approachable you could just leave food/water on the patio... id only do this when the cat was there though otherwise a Fox would probably scoff it!

Original poster
Nokeysnoentry · 26/07/2019 20:19

One other person has a set of keys, but my friend hasn’t managed to get hold of her as yet. Nobody else has keys and there is no cat flap. My friend is aware I no longer have keys.

OP posts:
Jammiebammie · 26/07/2019 20:19

Powerful magnet on thick string to pull the keys back through the letterbox, or call a locksmith.
I wouldn’t be happy with my cat being in the house until Sunday and would reimburse you for locksmith as soon as I returned (or send you the money via bank transfer if available)

Original poster
Nokeysnoentry · 26/07/2019 20:22

She actually just had the locks changed a month ago, after her ex refused to return her keys, so I’m not sure she has the money to change the locks again.

I could try with a metal coat hanger to get the keys, but I need a plan B in case this doesn’t work.

OP posts:
HeadsDownThumbsUpEveryone · 26/07/2019 20:24

Is there no way you can get the keys back out? Do they have anything you could hook onto if so could you fashion a fishing rod type devise using a hook and some string?

There really is no way you can feed and water the poor things until sunday through a letter box.

CMOTDibbler · 26/07/2019 20:29

You can feed them dry cat food through the letterbox and it won't be an issue. How much water did they have today? A tiny bowl or a decent size?

PurpleStripes · 26/07/2019 20:29

Could she overnight the keys to you? Might be cheaper than a locksmith.
Obviously this depends where she is on holiday.

RandomMess · 26/07/2019 20:30

Dry cat food and ice cubes would be ok? Not at the same time...

What kind of flooring does she have?

clearblueskye · 26/07/2019 20:32

Well, biscuits until you can get hold of the other person with the keys, but the cat will need water, especially with dry food.
Does the locksmith have a spare set?

chipshopElvis · 26/07/2019 20:33

Can you shoot water into some sort of receptacle with a water pistol? Clutching at straws!

wildflowersandweeds · 26/07/2019 20:34

Dry food and freeze water in small Tupperwares that you can post through- you'll need to rig them so you make them land the right way up though

hightymike · 26/07/2019 20:34

could you fit a hamster bottle through the letter box so the cat could suck the water like a hamster does?

Dippypippy1980 · 26/07/2019 20:35

The cat will certainly need water - especially in this weather, and even more so if it is feed dry food. Did you leave a tap dripping? Does it have a water fountain?

If it was my cat I would want the door forced. But do try the magnet suggestion.

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