How to keep a kitten in

[damndorothea]

Hi all

We're potentially adopting a kitten today, but we already have 2 cats (they're almost 1). We're not sure how to make sure the new kitten doesn't get outside while ensuring our cats can. We can't lock the cat flap and just let them out the door because unfortunately both of them have learnt how to unlock it, within a minute.

Does anyone have experience with the cat flaps that they unlock with a chip? Is it worth getting one of them?

TIA!

Yes we have a chip cat flap. It only unlocks when they put their head to it. It's not impossible that a very determined kitten could push through but it would be very hard to do. (We have the one that tells you where they are....outside or inside!)

Don't forget we need to see Cat and Kitten photos....

The Sure Microchip app cat flap lets any cat out as a default - so if a stranger quickly follows your cat in, it can get out. You would need your kitten chipped so you could program it not to let that chip out.

I have a sureflap cat flap for just this reason. The lock only works in one direction - it controls who comes in, but any cat can go out. I have temporarily mounted it inside out for that reason. I will flip it round when they are old enough to go out.

They do make one that controls both in and out, but it is significantly more expensive.

So far it’s working very well.

Ah that sounds good! Thank you. Will definitely put pictures up if we get her here are Fitz & Simmons!

Our sureflap only let's out the chips/cats you tell it too. So I could programme it to let one cat out and not the other. It definitely wouldn't open if a non chipped cat went up to it. It is the Sure Flap Microchipped Catflap Connect.

Gorgeous cats. (They have no idea what's coming!!)

I have the Sureflap too - you could lock it so that no cats could get out but your cats could get in. It would mean you would have to physically open the door for your current cats until new kitten is old enough to go out. Or you could restrict access to the area with the catflap.

Love your cats' names, hope new kitten will have a name that fits with the Agents of Shield theme!

I have the Sureflap Connect, which is the version controlled by an app.

It also works based on microchips, so would not allow your kitten to "scan" in and out if it's chip is not registered to the cat flap. However, be aware with any microchip flaps that it's possible for a cat to "tailgate" another, I.e. follow them closely enough to get in or out. We had this once with a neighbour's cat who got in this way. If this happens, your kitten would be locked out.

With the Sureflap Connect, you can register all 3 of your cats and then programme the flap to let your kitten inside, but not outside. This means if it did somehow get out, it would be able to get back in.

It also has other extra functions, e.g. you can use it to set a curfew at night, and you can control it remotely via the app. It's also handy if one cat needs to go to the vet, as you can just lock one cat in and the rest can come and go as they please.

Thank you so much for the info. It sounds like the sureflap would be the best and a good investment for the future, as like @violetbunny says if one needs to stay in.

The new kitten will probably be called Daisy, again to fit in with the Agents of Shield name theme!

OP, meet their namesakes. Fitz is the white one, Simmons is the tuxedo with the white feet and Schroedinger is the tuxedo with the black chin in the bath. They’re my DDs boys.

@GenuineKlatchianPottery oh they're adorable! I mixed their photos up, Fitz is our tabby, Simmons is the calico/tabby mix

You need to name the new kitten Alya…Fitz and Simmons daughter

@Soubriquet ohhh I didn't think of that. Yes

Update! Thanks to @Soubriquet, meet Alya.

Why thank you. And she’s gorgeous!

Aw so cute!

Tooooo cute! And Alya is the perfect name.