|
The smaller size electronic and magnetic pet doors for cats
to small dogs usually control in one direction only. A small peg is raised
on the inside of the flap and that peg does not release unless the signal
from the collar key is present.
However, the flap can still be pushed toward the outside
(unless the
4-way lock is
set for 'in only'). For this reason, these are not suitable for allowing one
pet out while keeping another in (more below).
You might suppose that one way to use the one-direction locking pet doors to
keep one pet in while allowing another out would be to reverse the pet door
so that it controlled pets on the inside but not, obviously then, on the
outside.
That idea works provided that you
carefully shield the now outside portion of the pet door from the
weather. Also, be aware that some warranties are voided by this type of
installation.
Another idea that we have encountered is
installing two pet doors--one at each end of a fabricated wooden tunnel made
long enough that the flaps don't interfere with each other. Then the outside
unit controls access from the outside and the inside unit controls access
from the inside. Such an installation would be more suitable for a wall than
a door.
Some pet doors control in both directions. We think these will be
considerably better at resisting wild animal attacks--particularly
raccoons.
Doors that lock both ways will also allow an animal to go
out while keeping another in so we think this is the best choice for the
very common situation where the dog is allowed out but not the cat.
Here's the list:
Cat Mate Elite Selective and Super Selective Cat Flaps,
PetSafe Smart Door (both sizes),
Plexidor Electronic and
Power Pet Door.
|