Ideas required for locking a cat flap.

[lindasma]

Hi all.  I'm attempting to find a way to stop my 2 cats from opening the cat flap from the garage to the front porch at night.  I'd like them to be able to come in but not go out.

I have a standard lockable white plastic cat flap with sliding locks so it can be locked in, out or both.  One of my cats had learnt to push the lock across so I taped it in position.  He ripped that off so I put a small piece of wood in.  That stopped them for a while however the other cat has found that if he hits the flap he can get enough momentum to hook his claw in the side and lift it towards him.  They both then go out under it.  I'm now at the stage of putting a large bag of potting mix against it.  Any ideas?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @lindasma,

Would you be able to share some photos of the cat flap and door? That will help our members get a better idea of the setup and suggest effective ways to secure it at night. Once we can see how it's placed in the door, that will provide some info on how a locking mechanism can be attached.

Mitchell

[lindasma]

I thought you might ask that.  Lol.  Please excuse the state of the door.  I am having a solid door installed but I can't find a flap that would solve the problem.

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @lindasma,

I've spoken with Hakuna, one of our cat flap suppliers, and they have experienced a similar issue with their flaps. If the cat paws at the inside, it can bounce the door open slightly and then pull it in towards themself to escape.

The only thing I could suggest is changing the flap to a different style, which they might find harder to unlock, like the Hakuna Pets Small Cat Flap or Hakuna Pets Small Ultra Clear Pet Door. However, they might still be susceptible to this hitting method of opening.

Hakuna is working on a digital locking mechanism that should overcome this issue, but it's still in development. One of our Marketplace suppliers has this Petsafe® Microchip Cat Flap Cat Door, which sounds like it might suit your needs.

Mitchell

[lindasma]

Thanks so much for making those enquiries. I did have a look at the Hakuna ones but yes, they can still be lifted.  I'll have to look into the microchip one regarding the same thing.  I did think of turning it around so the sliders were on the outside but that doesn't fix the lifting.  The vet suggested attaching a larger piece of cardboard with a hinge on the inside of the door so the cats would have to lift two flaps to get out but could still get in so I might try that too.  I just don't want to damage a new solid door.  Thank you for your assistance.  

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @lindasma 

Yes cats are very good problem solvers.

The cats dexterity pushing past the door and hooking it etc works but not with the double door. Unless both cats work together one door each. lol

I think the vet idea is the best solution cardboard as a test. Then replace the cardboard with thin 2mm Perspex

Or Clear thin wall polycarbonate sheeting as it is lighter weight than Perspex as cats might think thick Perspex too heavy.

I think put a string on the extra door so it can be lifted up into the open position to allow two-way traffic.

If your cats get any smarter just put a sign up with hours of curfew lol as if they will comply. lol

I think the electronic locks are not wholly more cat proof look into the review of cats owners see if this problem solved before purchase as they arnt cheap and the cats have to carry a bulky tag.

[lindasma]

Thank you. I'll try that Clear thin wall polycarbonate.  That sounds much better as if they see cardboard from outside looking in, they'll think it's solid and won't push it. I tried the curfew.  No treats after 9.30pm but no luck. Lol.  I've got small hinges so that sounds great.  Thanks again.  

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @lindasma 

The polycarbonate is not clear,  more translucent so you know your cats the best if it is worth buying.  but they are smart so  if you show them how its works  I am sure they will catch on.

Or find 2mm perspex  possible on ebay sells smaller sheets .