Cat Flaps

This is the perfect way to give your cat access in and out of the house. The simple passage of a cat through a flap will scent-mark it, and – as long as your cat is neutered – that should be enough to keep neighboring cats out – most of the time.

A cat flap is the key to your pet cat's freedom

Different Types Of Cat Flaps

Cat flaps come in many sizes with a huge range of technical gadgetry. These are the four basic types of cat flap:

2 Way Manual

The standard cat flap. It swings open both ways, allowing your cat to come and go as he pleases. You can lock the flap to prevent entry or exit of the house. The main positive with these is that they are simple and tend to work well. The main drawback with this is that it is non-discriminatory meaning any cat/animal can come through and enter your home.

4 Way Manual

The same as the two way, except there are more locking options. You can choose to have it open, closed, exit only, or entrance only. The main benefit here is having the different access options. The main drawback is the same as the two way manual in that it is non-discriminatory. Any cat/animal can come through and enter your home.

4 Way Magnetic

The same as the four way manual except your cat must wear a magnetic collar tag to allow use of the cat flap. The main benefits here are the different access options plus the lack of access to stray cats.

The main drawbacks here are that neighbour’s cats with the same magnetic collar will have access and sometimes the locking mechanism is unreliable.

4 Way Infrared/Microchip

The same as other four way flaps except the locking mechanism reads your cat’s microchip or infrared sensor on collar. As your cat’s microchip is unique, she’s the only one who can get in and out. The main benefits here are that only your cat(s) will be allowed through the flap and the different access options.

The main drawback is that the locking mechanism can be unreliable.

Where To Put A Cat Flap

Cat flaps can be fitted into a wide variety of materials and thicknesses. Some people fit them to windows and walls, but they are most commonly fitted to doors.

You can fit a cat flap to allow your cat access to your home or you can fit them to things like garden sheds. This way your cat has somewhere warm and dry to go if they are put out at night.

Not all homes will need a cat flap, so it's a case of deciding what's best for you and your cat.