These are updates and photos from Deborah Cole, Kirkland, Washington.
Started Using: Dec. 22, 2010

Lenny contemplating entry

Lenny pushing door open

Lenny entering

Lenny eating

December 22, 2010
MeowSpace 101 – I introduced Lenny to the new MeowSpace the first few times by putting his food inside, then putting him in through the hatch at the top. I had placed a loop of tape on the door on the outside, so that I could control opening the door for exit. As Lenny would start looking for a way out, I would slightly pull the door open from outside, and tap on it, to bring his attention to the exit. Each time, I would open the door less, so that he would have to push more to get through it. He quickly learned to exit on his own.

Once he learned to exit, we started practicing entry. I place him at the door, sitting behind him, nudging him gently, keeping my hand on the door so that as soon as the magnet triggers the lock open, I push it open and encourage him to go inside. Gradually, I am doing less of the door opening, and his head is doing more.

January 12, 2011 – Since my cat is quite tall and lanky, I added a small rolled towel under the front edge of the box, to put the collar magnet more in range of the door lock. Now, we have progressed to I put him in front of the door, and have to give him just one or two nudges from behind to get him to go inside, instead of several. It is slow progress, because there is not someone here with him all day to work on it . . . but we are getting there!!

January 16, 2011 – Continuing to make progress. When my kitty “asks” for his food, I walk him back to the MeowSpace, put him in front of the door, and he goes in with just the slightest nudge from behind !! I think the first time I hear him go in on his own, you are going to hear the “whoo-hoo” all the way from SEattle !!!

January 17, 2011 – I am thrilled to report that at 9:15 pm last evening, Lenny went into the box all by himself !!!
I can’t believe he finally “got it” !! I was watching TV and heard the door click in the other room ~~ quietly went to check, and there he was, inside, munching away! He was making rapid progress yesterday, but I was concerned that he would not make the leap of knowing he could get in if I wasn’t there coaxing him and tapping on the door to encourage him to go inside.
Now, the next step is that I will leave just a small quantity of food in there during the day while I am at work, such that I will be able to tell if he has gone in and eaten during the day.
If I can tell he is going in during the day, then I will let you know we can pronounce him another successful MeowSpace graduate !! -Proud mom

January 22, 2011 – I am very proud to announce that Lenny is now a full-fledged MeowSpace graduate !!!
He easily goes into and out of the box several times a day to enjoy his snacks. My vet had originally suggested the MeowSpace, and I will now be happy to report the good news to her, as she was waiting to hear how it would work for him. I’m hoping that by the time I get him in there for his annual check-up next month, he will show the much-hoped-for weight gain she would like to see.

February 6, 2011 – I’m very happy to announce that at the vet’s office yesterday (Sat), Lenny had already gained almost a whole pound!! The vet was very happy about that (and me, too!). She is the one who recommended MeowSpace to me, and I told her I would be willing to be a referral for any other of her owners who might want to consider getting a MeowSpace to use.
Just let me know how I can help.

September 28, 2011 – It is with great sadness that I am writing to let you know that Lenny has passed away.  He began hemorrhaging from his mouth / nose suddenly one evening, and the likely cause was a tumor in his nasopharynx.  I held him as he was peacefully released from his suffering . . .

I just want to let you know that the MeowSpace made his last months the BEST he had ever experienced !!  He was able to eat without being bullied away from his dish by my other cat.  He could have small amounts as he needed all day long, which worked better for his inflammatory bowel condition.  He gained weight for the first time in his 10 years with me and seemed so much more content.  I am so happy he had these good months.

Thank you for your MeowSpace product, and for giving my beloved Lenny a much better quality of life.

Sincerely,
Deb Cole

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