Infrared cat flaps are advanced devices that use wireless infrared technology to control the entry and exit of your pets through the flap, and also provides ‘selective entrance’. Selective entrance means only letting in your cat or other cats that you have allowed entry to, and locking out any unwanted intruders. Of the many brands available, the Staywell Infrared cat flap is a very good option.

The Staywell infrared cat flaps have an infrared transmitter, just like the one in a TV remote, that detects the signal from the pet’s collar and upon matching the signal, unlocks the flap for your cat. As your cat approaches the flap, the flap ‘clicks’ and automatically unlocks to let it pass through. The infrared sensor works within a 6’’ distance, that is, it only detects the signal when the cat is within 6’’ of the cat flap. This feature ensures that the cat flap opens only when the cat actually has to use it. The click keeps you informed when your cat leaves or come backs. The click is an optional feature and you can easily disable it.

Staywell infrared cat flap is a viable alternative to the magnetic cat flap variety, since some cats might not like the magnetic key hanging from their collars. The infrared cat flap runs on either batteries or AC power. You can have the batteries as a backup power supply. The cat flap flashes a infrared beam every two minutes to conserve energy.

Staywell infrared cat flaps are available in several different models and a variety of colors to choose from. There is the 500 series which is avaible in white, wood grain, silver, and many other colors. The 500 series is the standard cat sized cat flap and can be installed in doors or walls, with the separately sold tunnel extensions. The 700 series is another model of infrared cat flaps from Staywell. The 700 series is suitable for larger cats, and comes in sizes of small, medium and large.

The Staywell infrared cat flaps also offer a useful ‘timing’ function with which you can adjust the time the unit takes to relock after opening for your cat. You can set it low if you have an intruding strays problem, so that the flap quickly relocks before any intruders can get in. Or you can set it to a longer time if you have multiple cats which will enter or leave one after the other.