And, it's not just cats who come through the flap. I've a friend who finally had to close hers up because something kept coming up the outside stairs, each night, in through the flap, open the cupboard door, then eat a lot of dog food. Finally one night she was able to see what it was: a mother raccoon and her babies, munching away quite happily on such a dependable and tasty meal!

From our days on the ranch when newborn bunnies and the tail ends of mice were left on our floors or brought to bed, I still wear sandals when I get out of bed, lest I step in something!