Cat ports

A cat port comprising:

• (a) a framework defining an opening through which a small animal must pass to gain access to, or exit from a designated area, and
• (b) a flap mounted on the frame within said opening for pivotal movement in both directions from a closed position in which the flap substantially closes the opening, the cat port comprising means for controlling movement of the flap from its closed position, said means comprising:
• (i) catch means mounted on the frame and which is movable between an operative position in which it restrains pivotal movement of the flap in at least one of said directions and an inoperative position in which such pivotal movement is permitted, and
• (ii) operating means mounted on the frame and which may be rendered operative under the action of a first permanent magnet carried by the small animal on movement thereof into close proximity with the cat port to move the catch means to its inoperative position, said operating means comprising a reed switch mounted on the frame, a second permanent magnet mounted adjacent to said switch, the relative dispositions of the reed switch and the second permanent magnet being adjustable to vary the operating threshold of the switch and there is provided a re-setting means to render the read switch inoperative subsequent to activation of said switch.