Set up Cat ID in Flappie LabsUpdated 6 days ago

What does Cat ID do?

Cat ID recognises cats by their appearance. It uses your Flappie's existing outward-facing camera, without a collar or microchip reader. No new hardware is needed.

Recognition applies only when entering. The same exit setting still applies to all cats. Cat ID and prey detection are separate functions and can be used together.

How to set up Cat ID

1. Open the Flappie app → Flappie Labs → Cat ID.
2. Suitable recordings are collected automatically during normal use. If the app says more material is needed, allow collection to continue.
3. Assign the recordings to the cats and follow the instructions in the app.
4. Cat ID is then prepared. This takes a few hours, without a guaranteed maximum.
5. Entrance protection activates automatically once preparation is complete. The app lets you know when Cat ID is ready.

Automatic activation does not replace setup: you still need to select Cat ID in Labs and label your cats.

Which label should I choose?

The choices are your own cats' names, a foreign cat, or an unclear identification. Only assign a name or a foreign-cat label when the recording is unambiguous.

For example, if your cat passes through and a neighbour's cat appears shortly afterwards, making it unclear which cat the recording should be assigned to, choose the unclear option rather than guessing.

How does Flappie wait?

The entrance-protection settings let you choose whether Flappie waits unlocked or locked. Waiting unlocked is recommended for normal use. Active prey or Cat ID protection can still lock the entrance.

Waiting locked can give recognition more time, for example when your cat approaches very quickly. Your own cat may also have to wait until entry is allowed, so observe your cat when trying this setting. It affects entry only, not exit, and does not guarantee error-free recognition.

A foreign cat still got in

Check the Cat ID status and the settings at the time of the event: had preparation finished, and was entrance protection switched on? A cat's name in a video alone does not prove that access control is active. Door mode, prey protection and waiting position also affect entry.

An unclear recognition result is different from recognising a foreign cat. If no other rule intervenes, an unclear result leaves the chosen waiting position unchanged. Report repeated unexpected passages through the app or in writing to Support.

Can I leave the test?

Participation in Flappie Labs is voluntary and can be ended. Switching off entrance protection, leaving a Labs test and requesting data deletion are different actions.

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Need help? Email [email protected]. More information: Cat ID on our website.