researching cat flaps

[dotty.]

Hi guys, I am moving shortly and will need to install a cat flap for my 2 superior beings. They haven't needed on here but the new place it will be necessary. It will be going into a UPVC frame and I have never ever fitted one nor had one for my cats. A friend fitted one with a magnet that matched the cats collar to stop other cats using it, but the magnets on the collar pick up discarded screws and nails that the cat randomly comes into close proximity with whilst out and about, and so that doesn't seem a good choice, what are your experiences with your own cats using the different types of cat flaps?

[ChuckFickens]

A friend has just fitted one of these, which reads the chip in the cat (assuming you have chipped your cat).... it works really well.

http://www.petplanet....933&pf_id=51010&co=fr

[dotty.]

Hi Chuck, hope you are well, thanks for the link, that sounds an excellent idea, both were chipped by Blackpool cat rescue before I adopted them, only problem is it looks a bit expensive for me, though i suppose I only need the one and it should last a while. It's one to consider, thanks.

[Fitzer]

We got one of those after having a squirrel get in and fail to get out and it has been excellent, roughly twice as pricey as a manual flap but worth it, stops other cats getting in and bullying yours/stealing food.

[B00]

hehe, I have a wonderful mental image of a very cheesed off cat coming home with random metal things on its collar!

[boxtops]

We've always used Staywell cat flaps and they are good.

I wouldn't go back to magnetic catflaps, my cats don't wear collars these days - not safe things for any exploring cat - if I had to start again, I would get one of the expensive ones which you programme to your cats' microchips (oh, there's a advert for it on this page, sureflap!)

[annie0000]

I have the microchip style one - there is a extra fitting you can buy if you are fitting it in a window or steel skinned door which means you cut a circle out as this is easier in glass and for the metal door, it means that the metal doesn't interfere with the sensor.

It took a wee while for the cat to get used to it as it makes quite a loud click when the door is opened but it is fine now and it is very secure.