Cat Flap, 2-way or 4-way?

[ZenGardener]

So, we have finally decided to get a cat flap. Our cat doesn't always come in when called and I'm worried with winter coming that he doesn't want to get shut out all day, or worse all night.

Our kitchen door has a very thin plastic panel so it should be easy to cut a hole in it but I see I need to make sure that the cat flap is one for a thin door.

I've noticed that some cat flaps are 2-way and some 4-way but I can't figure out what this means and which is better?

[ClaimedByMe]

4 way is you can set it to
1- go out but not come in
2- come in but not go out
3- in or out
4- locked

2 way must mean open or locked

Is it a magnetic one you are looking at?

[ZenGardener]

Thank you!

I see, so with a 4-way you can set it so he can come in at night and then can't go out again.

Perhaps a 2-way would be better then. He wakes up at around 4:30am and wants out.

The one I was looking at was a magnet one. Are those ok?

[ClaimedByMe]

Yep, ours is set so the cats can get out it but cant get back in during the night and wind up the dog as she sleeps in the kitchen where the cat flap is.

I have a magnet one, its great, I have 3 cats my tip would be keep an eye on ebay for bundles of the magnets, my cats go through loads of them!

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Go for a microchip one you never have the issue of them losing them.

[thecatneuterer]

I've still yet to find a flap that a very determined (and yes, a bit fat, cat) can't just barge through and break if it's set on lock.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Sureflap has so far kept the intruder out even at high speed.

[FreshLeticia]

I have the microchip one and it is brilliant. It also closes at dusk/dawn, which is ok, because dawn is when they want to be out again. They have learnt to listen for the click in the mornings. It will always let them in btw, even after dark.

[ZenGardener]

Thanks! Husband called the landlord yesterday so we are waiting to hear back. I told him we would replace the panel before moving out but dh claims he can't remember that conversation. Hopefully they will say yes anyway.

[ZenGardener]

Oh, well Landlord said no even if we fix it.

Thanks for the help anyway. I will put some blankets in the shed and prop the door open slightly instead.

Hopefully we can get one in our next place.