The presence of a metal plate in an installation location can influence the performance of the Microchip Cat Flap, reducing the range of the microchip reader. This includes the following:
- Metal skin doors
- Security doors
- Metal garage doors
- UPVC coated metal doors
- Metal frames around a wall installation
For most situations you will not notice anything, as the read range will still be sufficient for the majority of microchips. However, if you experience intermittent operation or failure to open for your cat, first check for the presence of a metal plate in your installed location.
Note: UPVC coated metal doors often look the same as standard UPVC doors and you may need to look carefully where the panel has been cut. If a metal plate is confirmed, follow the instructions below for improved read range.
If there is metal present, you will need to cut a larger hole in your door, leaving a gap of 2-3cm (1-1.2”) between the tunnel of the cat flap and the metal in your door. To begin with, trace around the outer edge of the back frame as a size guide. Now mark your cutting line 1cm (0.3”) inside the line you have traced around the back frame, leaving the screw holes in place. Cut this hole and reinstall the cat flap.
If you still experience intermittent operation you will need to increase the size of the hole again, in this case you will require the cat flap mounting adaptor.
Once you have the mounting adaptor, trace around the circumference of the mounting adaptor as a guide. Now mark a circle approximately 2cm inside the line from the mounting adaptor, again leaving the indentations for the screw holes. Cut this hole and then reinstall the cat flap again. This will extend the read range further and should resolve any issues with mounting in a metal door.
