Getting Started – App Setup

Getting Started - App Setup

To Set up OnlyCat, First Download the OnlyCat App

The OnlyCat app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store (for iPhone), or from Google Play (for Android devices)

Once you’ve downloaded the app, follow the guides below to set up your OnlyCat.

1. Set up an account

Create an account, or sign in to the app

To use the app, you’ll first need to sign in.

Navigate to the “Account” tab, then tap “Sign In”.

Follow the instructions on screen to register an account with your email address or sign in using Google, Facebook, or Apple account.

Additional Users?

If you wish to share your cat flap with more people, such as in your household, you can do this by selecting the people icon, next to the three dots on the top menu in the Device page, then click the ‘Share Device Access’ button.

This will generate a link that you can share to grant access to your device.

Please note: Any additional users will need to have their own OnlyCat account.

2. Register your OnlyCat

Configure your OnlyCat and add it to the app

Go to the “Devices” tab, and tap the ‘+’ button in the top toolbar. You will be guided through several steps.

Scan the QR code shown on the OnlyCat display.
Your phone will now connect to a temporary Wi-Fi network hosted by your cat flap. You may be prompted to approve this step.
Select your Wi-Fi network.
After a moment you should see your Wi-Fi network appear in a list. You can tap it, and enter your network password.

Once your OnlyCat device has connected to your Wi-Fi network, it should show “Ready” on the screen, and it should appear on the Devices tab in the app. It is now ready for use.

Troubleshooting Tips If your network does not appear on the network selection screen, please try selecting Other and manually entering your network name (SSID) and password. We have seen this to be necessary on occasion. We are investigating an intermittent issue where the device connects to WiFi, showing Ready on the display, but does not correctly appear in the app. If this happens, please contact us and we'll be able to help.

3. Introduce your Cats

OnlyCat is ready to welcome your cats

By default, OnlyCat will unlock for all motion, allowing any cat to come in or out (without prey of course). You will see events, and accompanying videos, for any transit attempt on the in-app Activity tab.

There is no need for a separate mode to register cats. Whenever a new cat with a microchip is seen by the cat flap, a microchip ID will show next to the accompanying event. You can tap this ID to assign a friendly name to the cat in question.

It's best to be gentle and patient It's best to avoid forcing cats through the cat flap - this may cause them to develop an aversion to the cat flap, which can then take time to unlearn. If your cat isn't too stressed, you can try placing their head in the opening which should be enough to scan their chip. Otherwise, it may be best to let them explore the cat flap in their own time, potentially tempted by their favourite treats.

Worried about intruders or indoor cats? While in many cases it'll be fine to leave the cat flap set to Unlock for All during initial introductions, this may be a problem if you have indoor only cats, or are worried about intruders taking advantage of the window of opportunity. If so, continue to the step below and set your cat flap to a Locked Door Policy to begin with.

4. Configure Door Policies

Set up Door Policies to control entry and exit permissions

OnlyCat allows the creation of multiple Door Policies, which can be easily switched between. Each Door Policy is a set of rules, deciding which cats can come and go, and at which times.

Adding a New Door Policy
Navigate to the ‘Door Policies’ section of the app.
Tap the ‘+’ icon to start creating a new policy.
Selecting a Policy Type
Review the available pre-made door policies and select the one that best suits your needs.
If none of the pre-made options are quite right, choose ‘Custom Policy’ to create a unique policy tailored to your cats’ routines. With a Custom Policy, you can:
- Specify which cats have permission to enter and/or exit.
- Set unique exit times, allowing for personalised curfews.
Finalising and Activating Your Door Policy
Once you’ve selected or customised your policy, you can name it, and then press ‘Create’ to save it.
Your new policy will now appear in the ‘Door Policies’ list.
To activate your chosen policy, tap on it in the list and then press ‘Activate’ to enable it.

Require more specific Door Policies? Most common Door Policies can be added through the OnlyCat app. If you require more advanced bespoke policies, such as per-cat curfews, please contact us and we'll be able to help.