Why a Cat Flap is Essential for Your Outdoor Cat’s Safety and Well-being

Introduction

As cat lovers dedicated to providing the highest quality care, The Cat Butler prioritises the safety and well-being of every cat in our charge. For owners of outdoor cats, we highly recommend installing a cat flap for convenient and secure access to the home. It ensures that your cat has a safe refuge when they need it and supports the consistent care we provide.

Why We Don’t Accept Bookings Without Cat Flap Access

The Cat Butler does not accept bookings where a cat sitter is instructed to let the cat in and out without a cat flap. Here’s why:

1. Risk of Being Left Outdoors Overnight: With no cat flap, there's no guarantee that your cat will be home at the exact time of our next visit. Cats are independent by nature and might choose to wander off, especially if they’re enjoying the outdoors. This creates a significant risk of them being left outside overnight if they don’t return before the sitter’s scheduled visit. A cat flap eliminates this risk by allowing your cat to safely come inside whenever they wish, even when a sitter isn’t present.

2. Increased Exposure to Hazards: Outdoor cats without reliable indoor access face greater exposure to various dangers—extreme weather, other animals, and even traffic. A cat flap provides a vital escape route, helping your cat quickly retreat to safety if needed. Without it, cats left outdoors may have no choice but to wait for the next visit, which could be hours away. For The Cat Butler, this is not a risk we’re willing to take on behalf of your beloved pet.

3. Maintaining Your Cat’s Routine and Reducing Stress: A cat flap allows cats to follow their own natural rhythms and routines without added stress. They can come and go as they please, maintaining their habits while feeling secure in the knowledge that they can return home anytime. This is particularly important for nervous cats, who may feel uneasy waiting outside until someone lets them back in.

4. Ensuring Consistent, Reliable Care: The Cat Butler’s mission is to provide exceptional care, which includes keeping your cat safe and comfortable in your absence. By having a cat flap, we know that your cat has continuous access to their food, water, and familiar surroundings. Our sitters can focus fully on providing affection, feeding, and enrichment, knowing the cat won’t be locked out in unpredictable weather or situations. 

Install a Microchip Cat Flap for Added Security

For even greater peace of mind, consider installing a microchip cat flap. These flaps are designed to read your cat’s unique microchip, allowing only your pet to enter the home. This prevents neighbourhood cats or other animals from coming inside, ensuring that your cat has exclusive access. Microchip cat flaps are especially useful in busy areas where other cats might wander in, or if you’re concerned about stray animals entering. They offer both security and convenience, as your cat can come and go as they please without the risk of uninvited guests. Read our previous article: How to Stop Other Cats from Using Your Cat Flap

Our Commitment to Your Cat’s Safety

We understand that some owners prefer letting cats in and out manually; however, for the reasons above, we only accept bookings where a cat flap is installed. This policy allows us to deliver the reliable, risk-free service that both you and your cat deserve. Our ultimate goal is to keep your furry friend safe, comfortable, and secure until your return.

Read our previous article: Introducing Your Cat to a Cat Flap

Sandra James

Owner & Founder

The Cat Butler was set up by Sandra James in recognition of the fact that a stay in a cattery can be unsettling for many cats and also their owners.