Cat Flap: Outdoor access without door duty for your cat and you

Cat Flap: In and out on their own terms

Outdoor cats have their own rhythm and often want to go out several times a day. With a cat flap your cat decides for itself when to head into the garden and when to come back. You no longer have to keep opening the door, and the warmth still stays inside the house. Depending on the model, you can control exactly who is allowed to use the flap and in which direction it opens.

Locking options and access control

A simple 4-way cat flap can be set to in only, out only, both ways or fully locked. That way you can keep your cat indoors at night, for example. Magnetic models only open with the matching key on the collar, and a microchip cat flap recognises your cat directly by its implanted chip, with no collar needed. Both options keep other cats out, which would otherwise happily raid the food bowl inside your home.

Fitting in a door, wall or glass

Cat flaps can be fitted in wooden or uPVC doors, and some models such as the Cat Mate 210 in glass as well. For thick walls or doors, a tunnel extension helps the opening finish neatly. If the door is on a windy side of the house, a well-insulated model such as the PetSafe Extreme Weather is worthwhile, as it reduces draughts and heat loss. Wear parts such as the flap itself are available as replacements, and you'll also find suitable flaps for dogs here.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get my cat used to the cat flap?
Fix the flap open at first so your cat can get to know the opening without resistance. Tempt it through with treats or its favourite toy. Then close the flap and help a few more times until your cat has got the hang of it.

At what height should I fit the cat flap?
Measure the height from the floor to your cat's belly. That is where the bottom edge of the opening should be, which for most cats is around 15 centimetres. That way your cat neither has to climb nor crouch down low.

Can I fit a cat flap in a rented home?
To fit one in a door or wall you'll need your landlord's permission, as you're altering the building. A good solution can be a separate door leaf that you swap back for the original when you move out. For glass, the flap is usually fitted into a new pane by a glazier.