When we bought a home in the country, we decided we should get a door for our cat that would keep out other animals. After looking around on the internet, we decided to try the Catwalk model. No batteries to go bad.
I pulled out a basement window and replaced it with a cut piece of Plexiglas. I cut a hole in the Plexiglas with a Dremmel and cutting disk, one for the cat door and one for a dryer vent. I chose a basement window that is under a porch so I would not have to worry about snow blocking the door in winter. I live in upstate New York.
VERY IMPORTANT! I should mention that I bought the multi-magnetic model for glass installation. It is the same as the above but with a round frame, and able to be mounted through thin material. If you are going to mount it on plexiglass or just through 1 thickness of drywall, get this type.
Also, be sure you get the one you want. They have standard magnetic and multi-magnetic models. The standard magnetic models do not lock out other animals, they only have a magnet to help the door close. It's a standard cat door, really. They even have a clear model for glass installation, but it is NOT multi-magnetic (will not lock out critters without a magnet).
It has worked flawlessly for over 2 years now, with 2 cats. I cannot say it is completely raccoon proof; it might be possible for a raccoon to get his little fingers under and behind the door and open the door outwards. However, it is very unlikely. Certainly, it should keep out stray cats. My cat lost his collar and magnet when it was raining and I am certain he tried with all his might to get in. We found him outside, soaking wet when we came home.
I would not use a "safety collar" that breaks away, cats always lose those things.
Make sure you cut the hole big enough, don't try to wedge it into an opening that binds or it will not close properly. I also had to trim a tiny bit of the weather-strip by the top sides of the door so that it would not stick slightly open.
The door claims to be made of a super strong plastic. It seems like good plastic, but the major reason this door does not break like cheaper doors is the design. The hinge is beefier than other cat doors.
The multi lock dial can be set to "in & out" "in only" "out only" and locked. Unlike cheaper doors, the dial stays where you set it and will not get jiggled to another setting.
Overall a well designed, well made product.
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Catwalk Magnetic Wood Fitting Door - Pink, clear flap - Sales proceeds benefit cancer researchProduct Description: This magnetic model is designed to fit into external wooden doors or wall panels. The 'self-framing' adjustment range is from 5/8" to 2 ¼". A 4-way lock is included, which allows 'in only' and 'out only' settings in addition to the standard 'open' and 'locked' settings.This system operates with ever-lasting 'Multi-Magnets,' so no batteries are required. You may leave town without worrying about your pet being locked out or in due to battery or electrical failure.A small magnet is attached to the pet collar, which activates the opening latch to allow pet entry. Once the pet has entered, the door automatically closes the latch.
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We have a cat that destroys any flowers we leave in a table vase.These vases allow us to keep some flowers on the refrigerator, where he can't get to them.Obviously their size doesn't allow for any big flowers or arrangement, but small is better than nothing.The magnet is surprisingly powerful and easily holds the vase, water, and flowers.
