Understanding Prey DetectionUpdated a month ago

What does prey detection do?

Your Flappie has a built-in camera with artificial intelligence. Every time your cat comes home, the camera takes a close look: does the cat have something in its mouth? If yes, the flap stays locked. If no, the flap opens – and your cat can come inside.

This all happens automatically and in a fraction of a second. You don't need to configure anything, and your cat doesn't need a chip or collar for it to work.

How does it work?

Inside your Flappie is a dedicated AI processor – a small "brain" that analyses images in real time. When your cat stands in front of the flap, the camera captures an image and the AI decides instantly: prey or no prey.

Importantly, all detection happens directly on the device, not in the cloud. This means the decision is lightning fast and works even if your internet goes down.

What does Flappie detect?

The AI is trained to recognise typical prey animals, including:

• Mice and rats
• Birds
• Fish
• Snakes
• Insects

Detection works day and night. Your Flappie has an infrared camera with its own illumination – even in complete darkness, it can see what your cat is bringing home.

The algorithm also keeps learning. Regular updates add new prey types and improve accuracy further – all automatically, without you having to do anything.

What happens when prey is detected?

When your cat arrives at the flap with prey, three things happen:

1. The flap stays locked – your cat can't come in as long as it has prey in its mouth
2. You receive a push notification on your phone
3. A video clip is saved – you can review the situation in the app

As soon as your cat drops the prey and stands in front of the flap without it, the flap opens automatically.

The first 14 days: calibration period

After installation, prey detection is automatically deactivated for the first 14 days. During this time, two things happen:

• Your cat can get used to the new flap without any restrictions
• The AI learns your environment – lighting conditions, your cat's appearance, and typical movement patterns

After 14 days, prey detection activates automatically and you'll receive a notification in the app.

Can false detections occur?

Yes, occasionally the AI may misjudge a situation. This can go both ways:

• Your cat has prey, but the flap opens anyway
• Your cat has no prey, but the flap stays locked

This is normal – especially in the first few weeks while the AI is still learning your cat and environment. The vast majority of situations are detected correctly, and with each passing week the detection gets better.

Help us improve detection

In the Flappie app, you can report incorrect detections for any saved video clip. You'll find this feature at the top left of each video.

This is extremely valuable to us: every report helps our AI learn and improve. You're actively contributing to better prey detection for all Flappie users.

Report both missed detections and false alarms – both are equally helpful.

Tips for the best detection

Keep the camera lens clean
Dirt, cobwebs, or raindrops on the outdoor camera can affect detection. Wipe the lens regularly with a soft cloth.

Clear approach path
Detection works best when your cat walks straight toward the Flappie. This gives the camera the most time for analysis. If possible, choose an installation position where your cat has some approach distance.

Keep the camera area clear
Make sure no objects are placed or hanging directly in front of the outdoor camera that could block the view.

Questions about prey detection?
Write to us at [email protected] or use the chat in the bottom right corner.