can you help James?

[loulou1971]

Hi there - I've ordered the petporte and am eagerly awaiting its arrival - mainly as there are about 4 other cats coming in every night and scaring my little lad who's a stray that appeared about a year ago and has never left!

Couple of questions:

I'm about to get him microchipped - just phoned the vet who said they can't give me an individual number as they're sealed in packets but the make is Virbac, number is 15 digits, starts with 97 and they get them from a company called "Back Home" - are these chips ok for the petporte before I get him done? (They're def not the temp reading chip).

Also - just in case something happens while we're away and the chip/door doesn't work is there an option to set the door permanently open both ways like a normal basic flap so my neighbour could at least set it to that until we came home and were able to sort out any problems? I know it would allow entry to other cats too then (like my current flap) but at least I'd have peace of mind that this option was available and he could still get in...

Many thanks!

Louise

[James]

Hi Louise,

Thank you for posting your question.

Please ask your vet for an example number then you can check it on our website. We need the full number. One that he has previously used would be OK just to check that it will work. We do not need any personal details of the animal.

The best chips however are Bayer Tracer and Identichip. These have the longest read-range.

It is quite OK to leave the cat flap on while you are on holiday. I've done this three times already with my neighbours just coming across the road to change the litter and feed my kitties.

It is not advisable to set it in the open mode especially while you are away but it can be done yes. Your cat will always be able to get in even in the standard mode that locks other cats out. Also any cat can get out through the cat flap in the standard mode - so even if a cat got in through the window it would be able to get out through the cat flap, it just would not be able to get back in again!

[loulou1971]

Thanks so much James, it's been such a nightmare in the last few weeks with other cats coming in and scaring our cat I can hardly wait to receive it and get it installed - plus sometimes I work long shifts and just have no idea if he's at home hungry wondering why he's got no food as 4 other cats have eaten it all! Also as he's a stray that just appeared through my window one day, has come from god knows where and settled here I just want him to have a lovely secure life - sounds soft I know but he's the most affectionate little thing I've ever known!!

I've just spoken to the vet again - they're going to try and get a Bayer Tracer microchip in especially for him as they have had them before when they've run out of the Back Home ones they normally use - they think the flap sounds absolutely brilliant!

And thanks for the info that there is an open mode - just thinking if anything does happen at least the option is there as an easy backup plan for my neighbour for a short period of time if we're away,

Thanks again,

Louise

[James]

You can safely keep the cat flap in the normal mode while on holiday. I've had mine on for over 12 months now without any problem. Also over 14,000 have sold worldwide now so it is a proven product.

[loulou1971]

Thanks very much - looks like mine has come now as the postman left a parcel collection notice on Sat (7.30am so didn't even hear them knock the door!) so will be picking it up on Monday.

Can't wait to get it installed!

[James]

Wonderful! Please let me know how you get on with it.