Cat Flaps

[237SJ]

I'm looking into getting one. It has to be either magnet or microchip operated. Just wondered if anyone have experiences of either and how reliable they are.

[TheChair]

We had a magnetic one when we lived in Farnborough, and it used to pop open for every low flying plane. Also, the cats would sit just close enough so that the solenoid would constantly trigger, which drove us nuts.

[boxtops]

I wouldn't have a magnetic one again. The catflap was OK but one of my cats nearly hung himself from the key hung on his collar. I'd go for a microchip one next time (at the moment, we've just got an ordinary flap, and the cats next door come in, too)

[tiggerblue10]

I had a microchip one - Petporte. It was very good and kept other cats out. Had it plugged into the mains which was better than having to get batteries. I would recommend it.

I had a magnetic one before but had numerous problems with that.

[237SJ]

Great - thanks. I was leaning towards the microchip idea (especially as the cat has never worn a collar) The cat has an interesting history and at one point lived with my neighbour who microchipped her at the PDSA (neighbour long dead so details obsolete). I'm just hoping that it's possible to put another chip in -I'll have to ask the vet.

[boxtops]

You can get the chip details changed 237 - wherever they are recorded, a new owner can be noted. Your vet should advise.

[Daffy6543]

You should be able to reregister with the existing microchip, there may be a small cost involved. Your vet will have to scan the cat and find which company it is registered with for you.

[237SJ]

Thanks. So does the catflap use the address microchip that is already in the animal?

[TheChair]

Yes, you just program the cat flap to recognise the cat's existing microchip.
These instructions are from the Cat Mate flap, but I imagine they are all similar:

3. Programming
Program your cat’s microchip or I.D. Disc(s) as follows:
3.1 Press and hold the 'PROGRAM' button (H, Fig. 1) for 5 seconds until
the LED (A) illuminates. Wait a minimum of 10 seconds.
3.2 Encourage your cat to slowly pass through the tunnel by
holding the flap open as shown in Fig. 5 after checking the rotary 4 way
lock (E) is set to 'IN & OUT'.
3.3 When programmed, the LED will flash.
3.4 Press the 'PROGRAM' button to save the setting

[Fitzer]

We have had a Sureflap for some years and it has been great, takes 4 AA batteries which last roughly a year, it also has a manual 4 way lock, as per TheChair's comment you simply programme it by putting it into 'learning mode' by pressing a button and while the light is flashing hold the cat so that its head is in the opening and job is done!

[237SJ]

Thanks for the further replies. I'll have to check out brands as it needs to go into a glass door (will have to be reglazed) - I've done that before but not with a microchip flap.

[wolf63]

I remember that she is an older lady, has she used a cat-flap before?

Best wishes to you and your new little lodger. I hope that you are also able to find some support for you, your sister and your mother. x

[237SJ]

Update - Pusscat has moved in, glazier coming tomorrow to measure up. I`m going with the Sureflap microchip catflap. I think that is an excellent invention.