Recomendations for non-microchip cat flaps please

[Tramalator]

I'm soon to get a cat flap fitted into a new wall that is being built and want to get a decent cat flap that won't need replacing any time soon.

We have lots of cats, and some don't wear collars, so I'm not wanting the microchip type which all the better quality ones seem to be.

Guidance please, wise cat folk.

[derektheladyhamster]

Just as a by the by, the cats don't have to wear collars for the microchip ones. They use the microchip inserted under their skin. And you can programme lots of cats to use it.

[WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes]

Yes, you just programme it to let through each of your cats by holding them close to it and pressing a button, no need for collars if they are all chipped.

[cozietoesie]

Up to 32 cats on a Sureflap (without need for collars) if I recall. How many have you got?

(Sorry - I realize that's not answering your question.)

[Lonecatwithkitten]

I have bought other brands of cat flap and have replaced them after a few years. Even if you put no batteries in the flap and never use the microchip function it will still last better and be more cost effective than a regular flap. The only other flap which was as durable was the hole my dad cut in the door and then cut slightly smaller and reattached with door hinges when I was a child.

[Tramalator]

Thanks all - thought the cats had to wear a collar with a chip in

I've got 7 cats.

[umiaisha]

We have the sureflap. Fantastic invention!

Make sure you get the right size though.. We went for the petflap rather than the cat flap as we have a British Shorthair which is a chunky breed.

[WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes]

Ours is the Sureflap. Next door's cat sometimes hurls himself at it in an effort to get in, and he managed to follow one of mine in once (got his head and front feet through then realised there was a human standing there and backed out again) other than that it's been great.

[cozietoesie]

Yes - I suppose it's possible to have a problem with a real hot pursuit but still unlikely I would have thought. Your cat will know that that is the door to safety while to another cat it's just a small hole with The Great Unknown on the other side. I would have thought that that would almost invariably mean a slight delay while they thought about it: quite enough time for the device to lock.

[PestoSunnyissimos]

Can I ask a question?
We already have a cat flap which neighbour's cat is starting to use, if I were to buy a Sureflap one to replace it, how would I remove the existing one and install the new one? Would a locksmiths for instance be able to do this?

[WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes]

We removed an old one in a wooden door quite easily ourselves, but it is a thin wood (back door), the Sureflap one needed a lightly bigger hole so DH just enlarged it with a hacksaw. Depends on the sort of door really. I would have thought a handyman rather than a locksmith, unless it's the sort of door with locks all the way round the rim.

[cozietoesie]

Have a look \link{http://www.sureflap.co.uk/support/installing-sureflap\here} Pesto. If you're reasonably handy and have a straightforward door, I think you should be able to do it yourself. Otherwise, I would have thought it was a job for a decent handyman rather than a professional locksmith.

[PestoSunnyissimos]

Thank you CozieToesie

I am none too handy when it comes to DIY type stuff, DH would have done that sort of thing and I don't have anyone else.

[cozietoesie]

Maybe now is the time to find a handyman then? I was lucky - I went to the local community newspaper, found a likely advert and struck lucky. I just assemble a list of all the smaller, irritating, jobs I need doing (putting things up, replacing washers.......you name it) and leave him to it. Works a treat.

[PestoSunnyissimos]

Yes that's just what I need

[cozietoesie]

Maybe post on eg the DIY Board and ask how best to find a decent one? I was lucky and I recognize that.

smile

(Sorry for the hijack, OP.)

[PestoSunnyissimos]

Good idea, thank you

[WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes]

I might follow you Pesto, we managed the catflap but have an endless list of other jobs that need doing.