Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: Helena on March 08, 2008, 10:48:01 AM

Title: Magnetic catflap glitch
Post by: Helena on March 08, 2008, 10:48:01 AM
I now have a catflap in a wall (my doors are unsuitable - long story!) and though Bubz happily goes in and out while the flap is propped open, she isnt as good at going out when the flap is down and as for getting back in ....!

I have to rely on my PAs to physically help Bubz out and in, and I'm wondering whether to go on with this as Bubz's head isnt down enough for the magnet to trigger the release of the door. She wants to push the flap with her feet first, then push her head in.

Help!
Title: Re: Magnetic catflap glitch
Post by: fluffybunny on March 08, 2008, 13:52:40 PM
I had a cat who had a similar problem when he got older and a bit arthritic, I ended up having to gaffer tape the mechanism down so it was used as a normal non-magnetic catflap - which wasn't ideal because other cats could get in but it was the only way I could resolve it.
Title: Re: Magnetic catflap glitch
Post by: Helena on March 08, 2008, 14:01:41 PM
I'm not sure whether she'd push through in either direction even if it was gaffer taped because I dont know if she's happy pushing through a flap. :(
Title: Re: Magnetic catflap glitch
Post by: fluffybunny on March 08, 2008, 14:17:46 PM
You might find that she does after a few goes though - it may just be that because at the moment it doesn't open when she prods it with her paw, she doesn't want to put her head to it.  If she discovers that it does open when she prods it with her paw she may be more inclined to give it a go.  I don't think you've got anything to lose as if it doesn't work you can just peel the tape off and it's back to how it was before.
Title: Re: Magnetic catflap glitch
Post by: alisonandarchie on March 08, 2008, 14:23:23 PM
Our magnetic  Catflap is in the wall as well and sometimes young Archie has a tough job getting in. The magnet on his collar is one of the older larger ones and ideally I would like to change the catflap.
Title: Re: Magnetic catflap glitch
Post by: Helena on March 09, 2008, 08:37:56 AM
Despite her petiteness Bubz can get through when the flap is pegged up so it is just the pushing her head against the flap that is the issue - that and her seeming inability to lower her neck so the magnet releases the flap going indoors!
Title: Re: Magnetic catflap glitch
Post by: alisonandarchie on March 09, 2008, 09:26:46 AM
I would say thats the same problem as Archie has as he head butts it and the magnet is just not in the right place :Crazy: