"Sheldon" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>
> MaryL wrote:
>>
>> I keep a Swing-A-Way manual on hand for emergencies, just as you
>> described.
>> However, I do have arthritis in my hands, so an electric can opener is
>> *high* on my list of important small appliances. I like the Hamilton
>> Beach
>> "Penguin" electric opener (not one that cuts from the side as requested
>> here) because (1) it is tall and therefore accepts big cans and (2) it
>> will
>> easily cut around the edge of cat food cans and not get caught in the
>> pull-tab. Those pull-tabs are supposed to be a convenience, but for me
>> they
>> can be a source of considerable pain.
>
> Use an old teaspoon, the bowl to lever up the tab and the the handle
> through the tab to lever up the lid... voila! Then the spoon to scoop
> out the cat food... I have years of practice. And I wouldnt use the
> same electric can opener for cat food that I use for people food if
> only for the smell... but then there are certain Mediterranean
> greaseballs that enjoy Fancy Feast flavored pasta sauce.... the
> cod-sole-shrimp medley ain't bad! hehe
>
> Sheldon Purina
>

I have tried that (spoon for lifting the tab) and even have one of those
little plastic tab-pullers that are sold for the purpose. I still prefer an
electric can opener. And, yes, I do clean it after each use.

MaryL