Cat flaps allow your pet to enter and leave the house and allow you to control their outings.
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How to choose the best cat flap in the UK
A cat flap is one of the essential accessories for all cat owners whose pets enjoy going outside. It gives the animal total freedom and makes the owner’s life much easier.
How do I choose the best cat flap? What is the right size? Future cat owners often have lots of questions. There are various types of cat flaps: some are suitable for glass doors, while others are made for wooden ones.
To teach your pet to use the cat flap, you can stand on the other side and motivate them with treats. It all depends on your pet's character: some cats are very curious and will not hesitate to walk through the door, while others may fear it at first.
To help you welcome your pet, we created this comparison of the best cat flaps. The cat’s body type and character matter as much as the finish and quality of the material: choose the best cat flap by taking into account all the important criteria!
Summary
How to fit a cat flap?
To install your cat flap correctly, you’ll need the right tools: a tape measure, a spirit level, a drill, a pencil, a jigsaw, sandpaper and a screwdriver. Position the cat flap against the door you want to install it on and make sure it is straight. Then trace the entire outline of the flap, including the location of the screw holes. Cut out the door according to your markings and sand the edges. You can now fit the cat flap and screw it firmly into the surface.
If your door is made of glass, do not install the opening system yourself, unless you are a professional in this kind of work: you could injure yourself. Instead, call in a professional.
Where to install a cat flap?
If you live in a house, you can install your pet's cat flap on a door, window or wall. Position it at floor level so that your pet does not have difficulty reaching it when it gets older.
Choose a PVC or wooden door, which is easier to drill if you are not a professional. You can also place it on a breeze block wall, but the work will be more complicated.
Before installing a cat door in a flat so that your pet can enjoy the balcony, check with the building owner. Some owners may not appreciate the opening interfering with the building's facade.
What type of flap should I choose?
There are different types of cat flaps and you should choose one according to the size of your pet and their character. A fearful animal might be afraid of using a loud flap.
Manual cat doors are the most affordable. They consist of a single flap that allows the animal to enter or exit at will.
Electronic cat flaps recognise your cat's collar and open only for your pet.
Microchip cat flaps are activated with your cat's identification chip.
Where can I buy a cat flap?
You can find cat flaps in specialist shops. There you can also take advantage of the advice and opinions of experienced sellers.
Online shopping provides you with a much wider selection of cat flaps. Find the best one for you without leaving your home and browse through buying guides and comparisons to get an idea.
You can also visit dedicated forums to ask any questions you may have.
How to train a cat to use a cat flap?
To get your cat used to using its cat flap, don't force them. The animal must figure out for themselves that the passage is completely safe and that there is nothing to be afraid of.
Start by leaving the flap in the open position: the cat will then be able to see the outside through the tunnel and may want to venture in.
Once they have used the passage, show them how the door swings as they pass through. This way, your pet won't be frightened when the door closes on them.
You can motivate your cat by placing a toy or treat on the other side of the opening to encourage them to go for it!
How high should a cat flap be placed?
Put your cat door at the right height by measuring about 15 cm from the floor. For most cat breeds, this is the average distance from the floor to the animal's belly. If you have a large breed like Savannah or Maine Coon, opt for a wider entrance and measure the height to your cat's belly yourself.
It is important to position the flap at the right height so that your cat does not have to make too much effort to get out. When your cat gets older, their joints may hurt. Don't base your cat flap on the size of your kitten: you need to take into account their adult body.
How does a microchip cat flap work?
A microchip flap detects your pet's RFID chip and opens when the cat approaches. If it is your cat, the chip reader unlocks the latch and your pet can enter the house. Most microchip cat flaps have a button that you click to register the cat's ID chip in the memory of the device.
This security system prevents other animals from entering your home. If your cat is not chipped, you can equip them with a small tag that replicates the RFID identification system.
