How to stop another cat harassing our cats!

[Aberchips]

We recently moved into our house & our cats (2 - a male & female) have just about settled down after the move.

The only problem now is another cat on our road who keeps trying to come in through/harrasses our cats through the cat flap. I have seen this cat in our house (presumeably trying to steal our cats food) and around our garden, but have also woken in the early hours to a big commotion downstairs where it is trying to get through our cat flap.

I have tried squirting it with water & generally scaring it off when I see it during the day, but wondered if there is anything that has worked for others in this type of situation. It is really starting to bother our female cat who now sits "on guard" at the flap for hours.

I don't want to get a chip operated flap as I dislike the idea of them wearing collars, nor do I want to lock the flap at night - I doubt this would solve the problem anyway as it seems to hang around outside.

Anyone any bright ideas please!?

[givemushypeasachance]

Just a passing two cents that most of the chip operated flaps (e.g. Sureflap) work with a cat's microchip rather than a collar these days, so no collars required...

[Aberchips]

That's interesting to know - I will look into that. Although just paid for a flap to be installed recently!!

[mineymo]

Another vote for the microchip activated cat flap. Only some brands work though, so my cats have 2 microchips each. We have the Sureflap. It fitted in the same hole as our previous flap so might not cost you extra in fitting costs.

[Aberchips]

Just had a quick look & looks like Staywell do a microchip version that will replace the 4 way Staywell flap we currently have. Think I might be upgrading post Xmas.

[Pangurban]

I guess that microchip operated cat flap must work well in most instances. I just wonder did anyone see that recent programme about the life of cats. One bullyboy determined to harass a neighbouring cat put his paw into the microchip operated flap of his target's door and hooked it back open towards him with his claws and gained entry easily. My husband said 'there goes that company'. He must have been an unusual criminal MacCavity though.

[Hoppinggreen]

Unfortunately I don't think you can.
A neighbours large tom has smashed the plastic front on our magnet cat flap several times.
I asked the vets advice and he said that no cat flap can keep out a strong and determined cat.

[PestoStormissimos]

We had the same problem, changed to a SureFlap - problem solved!