The First 14 Days: What to ExpectUpdated a month ago

You've installed your Flappie and connected it to WiFi — great! During the first 14 days, a lot is happening behind the scenes, even if everything looks quiet from the outside.

Why 14 days of calibration?

Prey detection is automatically deactivated for the first 14 days. There are two good reasons for this:

1. Your cat gets used to the flap — it can come and go without restrictions. No unexpectedly locked door, no stress.
2. The AI learns your environment — it adapts to your cat's appearance, the lighting conditions and typical movement patterns. This helps prevent false detections later on.

What happens during this time?

The Flappie observes and collects data without intervening. The flap stays open — your cat won't notice any difference from a regular cat flap. In the background, the AI learns:

• What your cat looks like (with and without prey)
• The lighting conditions in front of the flap (day, night, dusk)
• Which movement patterns are normal

Good to know: The Flappie has an infrared camera with its own lighting. Detection works even in complete darkness.

After 14 days

Prey detection activates automatically. You'll receive a push notification on your phone when it's ready.

From that point on, the Flappie checks every entry to see whether your cat is carrying something in its mouth. If so, the flap stays closed — the prey stays outside.

What you can do

Report false detections: If your cat gets falsely locked out after the calibration period, report it directly in the app. Every piece of feedback helps the AI improve faster.

Keep the camera clean: Dirt or cobwebs on the camera can affect detection. Wipe the lens regularly with a dry cloth.

Be patient: Accuracy is approximately 94%. That means it works reliably in the vast majority of cases, but no system is perfect. The AI gets better over time and through your feedback.

Common questions about the calibration period

Can I skip the 14 days?
No, the calibration period is automatic and cannot be skipped. It's essential for the AI to work reliably.

My cat isn't using the flap in the first few days — is that a problem?
Some cats need a bit of time to get used to a new flap. That's completely normal. The AI learns even from just a few passages. Tip: Lure your cat through with treats.

Will GPS trackers on the collar be detected as prey?
Based on our experience, no. Many cats use Flappie while wearing GPS trackers without any issues. In rare cases, the AI may need a few passages to get used to it.

Does detection work in the dark?
Yes. The Flappie has an infrared camera with its own IR lighting — it can see even in complete darkness.

Still stuck?
Write to us at [email protected] or use the chat in the bottom right corner — we're happy to help.