Just wondering if anyone has any advice on the cat-flap front?!

Firstly - which to buy. i definitely want to get one which restricts access to only my cats, and have seen the microchip-reader ones, they seem great, but are they worth the money? Do the magnetic ones work just as well? I don't mind spending the money if its worth it.
Would appreciate any anecdotes as to what's worked for you?

Secondly - I am thinking of putting the cat flap into the garage - I am home every evening/night and so thinking of it just being somewhere to shelter if needed. Also on the odd occasion I do stay out at night or whatever - The garage is obviously cold and a bit damp (at the moment) is this still ok as a form of shelter though, as don't particularly want to fit the flap into the back door if I can help it as its glazed (and also wouldn't be needed much) Thinking of putting a bed in there and maybe some emergency snacks!!

Thanks

I have a magnetic cat flap because that was the only restrictive type available when I got my first cat Tabitha 17 years ago. I moved to my current home 10 years ago and I had another magnetic flap installed because I didn't know about the microchip ones (not sure how long they've been around?).

I've never really had a problem with my cat flap but my cats do need to wear collars with a magnet attached. All 3 of my cats have lost their collars once each, which is not too bad considering my Bernard is now 7 and my other 2 have been with me for 18 months now. However, I think I would prefer not to use collars if I had a choice because they can be dangerous and my Lucy has managed to put her front leg through her collar on at least a couple of occasions.

My friend has a microchip cat flap which her cat is now using (but it took many weeks of persistent perseverance on my friend's part), it is quite noisy when in use and this put off the cat from using it. Her's is powered by a mains plug though I believe it has battery back-up but she has a wire leading off her door to the plug which looks a bit ugly. I have to remember to change the battery in my cat flap at least 6 monthly, I don't get any warning that the battery is running low (maybe the newer versions do). I think i would go for the microchip option if my cat flap ever needs replacing

I would definitely explore into putting the cat flap into the back door rather than the garage. Cats want to go back into somewhere warm and homely rather than a cold garage. It's possible to have a door panel replaced, I did that when I moved into my current home before I had a chance to replace the whole door.

Installing a cat flap was the best thing I ever did for my late Tabitha and I wouldn't be without one now - my cats love the freedom to come and go as they choose. I think it's a wonderful invention.

I've got a magnetic cat flap and have had it for a good few years now.

My cat, at first was a bit iffy about it, as it "clicks" when she goes near the catflap but she eventually got used to it and now I dont know how I would cope without it! Yes, I can hear it "clicking" and banging at night when she comes and goes but I got used to it.

She has a collar with a little magnet/battery in and thankfully she has never lost it. I have had to replace it a few times due to rain/water getting into it but other than that, I've only had to replace the batteries every 6 months or so.

I got mine fitted into a brick wall, next to my patio door windows, which is great as I didnt have to fiddle with fitting it into the glass doors.

I have a Staywell (I think?) magnetic cat flap. This has been in use on the back door for 10 years now with no problems.

They have lost the magnets over the years but replacements are widely available (Ebay for eg).

You just have to be sure that the collar is the right size to fit the magnets. I swear by Ancol (again Ebay is your friend). These are the right size and usually have a flexi-elastic bit incase tibbles gets caught on a branch.

I think the magnetic latch has now failed, so in theory I should replace, but as we also have a staffie I doubt any strangers will pop-in!

Thanks everyone

The problem with replacing the door panel though is that its fully glazed and provides 50% of the natural light into the kitchen. The window in there is only quite small.
Another thing I wonder about is how draught-proof they are -There isn't any heating in the kitchen and so the coldest room of the house so again I am worried about losing heat further. Thanks again.

I understand where you're coming from milmol. In the ideal world, you'd be home all day to let the cats in and out, and you wouldn't have a glazed back door, just a huge window! You're looking at your circumstances and doing your best for your cats.

I don't have a cat flap - because we have a glazed back door! But one of us is generally home so it isn't a problem and in this cold weather, the cats tend to stay in, or have a shed with an opening if they are outside and it rains.

You could get a great bed: zooplus have some lovely ones at very reasonable prices and excellent delivery service. I bought one a few days ago and the cat loves it. Mine is wicker so would be fine for a garage - or use a cardboard box and make it snug and warm. Be careful though - zooplus have some rather wonderful things so you could find yourself hooked...

Is there anyway you could fit it in a brick wall?

With regards the draught-proof-ness of them, they're not too bad. When its really really windy, the cat flap does rattle a bit but its not enough to make my lounge cold or draughty.

We've got a Sureflap microchip cat flap. It works very well and it's easy to register your cat's microchip by just pressing a button and sending him/her through the flap. There's no need for the cats to wear anything on their collars, which is good as our cats don't like collars. It's battery operated and the batteries last for ages, we've had the flap for nearly two years and I've only changed the batteries once. There's a flashing light to warn you when the batteries are running out.

It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the Pet Porte one but is a bit cheaper, seems slightly bigger and works very well for us.

I have a microchip catflap. Its great knowing that when we are out of the house only our cats can get into the kitchen.

Best investment i made, SureFlap's after care sales is also fantastic!

Well, unfortunately all the kitchen external walls are covered with cupboards ... unless i had the flap opening into the food cupboard, that could be a popular decision As for the lounge - I'm amazed & impressed it doesnt make it draughty! But that will take a bit of a leap of faith I think!!

Great reviews of the chip ones, thanks folks. Think that's made my mind up on the type ... now just for the location!!

To be honest I am home enough for it only to be an "emergency" use type of thing anyway - Another plus for getting the chip one ... seems reliable when needed but no need for collars/magnets. Still not sure if the garage will be ok though - thanks abigail1234 for those ideas too.

I'm sure the garage will be fine and even though it's cold and damp, it's still better than being stranded outside. You could make a lovely cosy nest for your cats to shelter in until you get home, with some food and water available. They'll have shelter from the weather as well as other dangers they may face, in a space of their own. Its not always possible to fit a cat flap where you would like to be able to put one so sometimes you have to make do with what you can do. At least you care enough to want to do something

thanks for the reply flakecake

My cousin has installed his cat flap into his glass patio door so it's obviously possible to fit onto glass. I just think that it's a shame to go to all the trouble and expense of fitting a cat flap (the cost of the microchip flap plus the fitting cost) to just allow the cats into a cold garage, even if you make attempts to make it cosy.

However, my situation is probably different because I live alone and work incredibly long hours - I would hate to think that my cats would not be able to get back into comfort and proper warmth. They are spending about 95% of their time curled up on sofas and beds at the moment but when I leave for work at 7am one or two may come outside to see me off - and refuse to immediately go back inside.

Yes there's lots to consider !!
Well if I do meet my new future companions tomorrow, its going to be a good few weeks until they will be going out so I still have time to make plans...

A better option would probably be the conservatory ... well, more of a lean-to (!) but although its only single glazed, so chilly at nights, it obviously adjoins the house and warms up in any hint of sunshine. Plus it would be easy to put a timed heater or something in there in the colder weather or if I know I'm going to be out. Hmmm that might be the solution here...