Cat flaps

[ohIdoliketobebesidethesea]

I posted earlier about having a new cat, she's a rescue 2 year old, beautiful girl. I've never had a cat so I'm new to everything, I'm thinking about a cat flap and just wanted to get some advice.

I'm currently doing a part time PGCE so am only out the house a couple of days and am at home with my little ones the rest of the time. She is going to be going outside after a month or so of being indoors.

So the reason I thought about a cat flap is because then she could go in and out as she pleases on the times I'm not here. My neighbours cat recently went missing and hasn't returned home and she says she now wishes she had a cat flap.

But I'm worrying about the negatives, like what if she brings in birds/mice and I don't know about it? And is it a security risk? (We would get a microchip sensing one)

Any opinions greatly received

No negatives if you get a microchip sensitive one to prevent other cats coming in (or mine has a magnetic one activated by a magnet on her collar) The worst that can happen is you may have to dispose of the odd ‘present’ she may fetch you home!
I would recommend cat flaps to any responsible cat owner. It will give you great peace of mind. Enjoy your new cat, you’ll get lots in return!

I also have a new rescue cat. It's amazing isn't it, wish I'd have done it sooner! Also thinking of a cat flap. We have a new composite door are you able to fit cat flaps in these? Does it damage or weaken the security of the door at all? We are not very practical so has anybody any experience of paying someone to do this? Also, we have a home security alarm she keeps setting off so we have not been able to switch it on, anybody any experience of this or practical advice on what we can do? Thanks!