Automatic Cat Flaps
There are several different varieties of cat flaps available in the market today. Different cats and cat owners have different needs. Electronic cat flaps are advanced pet doors that, as the name clearly implies, have electronic operating mechanisms. Although electronic cat flaps are very useful and boast of some really interesting features, there are some misconceptions associated with them. Electronic cat flaps, like any other device, have their limitations and strengths.
There are generally two different varieties of electronic cat flaps: 1 way locking, and 2 way locking. 1 way locking doors lock in one direction only, that is, they let the cat out of the house, and back in, after detecting the collar electronic signal. They also keep out any other animals that try to push their way in. This feature works for feral cats, raccoons, skunks and other animals that try to enter by pushing the flap. Since the flap is single-directional, it lets your cat leave the house freely, collar or no collar.
This limitation in 1-way locking automatic cat flaps arises from their design. They have a simple locking lever or ‘stop’ that keeps the door from pushed inside. However, many pet owners have complained that determined intruders can lift the flap from the outside, that is, pull instead of push to gain entry. Because of this limitation, these cat flaps are not entirely intruder proof. If you do need ‘entire intruder proof’ cat flaps, you can get the more advanced 2-way locking cat flaps.
The 2-way locking variety has a better security mechanism. They allow 2-way control over the movement of your cat. That is, they will open for your cat only if she’s wearing the collar, whether she’s in or out of the house. They also keep unwanted intruders effectively out of the house, and cannot be forced in though pushing. In that sense, 2-way locking cat flaps offer complete protection against intruders.
There are varied uses for both these types of automatic cat flaps. You can consider getting a 1 way locking cat flap if you just want to keep the neighborhood cats and other feral cats from stealing your cat’s food and messing up your place. However, if you have more serious intruder issues – tomcats that break in through simple locking flaps, or determined pests – you can invest in a 2-way locking system that should relieve you.
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