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Cat flaps: What’s what and how to choose the right one.

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From all singing all dancing microchip, to the manual version, there are lots of cat flap types and styles to choose from. Depending on the size of cat, the location its installed and the level of functionality you require there us a vast array to choose from.

To make sense of it all, we’ve done the hard work for you, and over the last few years checked out, played with, tested, and sometimes broken just about every type of cat flap available… and so, we can now confidently list below the what’s what of cat flaps.

The Manual Cat flap…

Being the most popular type of cat flap used in the UK, the locking style allows cat owners to have greater control over their cats' access to and from the house compared to a non-locking option.

The most common locking option on such a cat flap is the 4-Way lock. The 4-way lock offers the ultimate in flexibility and ease of use.

Locking functionality?

Open
Closed
Enter Only
Exit Only

Where can these be used?

UPVC Doors
Glass units (in both doors and windows)

The Magnetic Cat Flap…

Unlike a manually operated cat flap, the magnetic option allows the door to be unlocked and used via a special magnetic collar. Alongside this additional level of security, this version also incorporated the 4-Way locking system included in the manual cat flap.

This magnetic version is a great option if you are keen on added security while still ensuring reliability!

Locking functionality?
Magnetic collar
Open
Closed
Enter Only
Exit Only

Where can these be used?
UPVC Doors
Glass units (in both doors and windows)

The Microchip Cat Flap…

Packed with features to add additional levels of security but built to be simple to use the microchip cat flap offers complete access control for you and your cat.

The cat flap uses battery power which takes away the need to hardwire cables to the door during the installation process. These doors are designed to let your cat come and go freely by automatically reading your cats chip. This means your cat has full access through the door and at the same time keeping out strays or other intruding animals.

A cat flap with a sensor reads the unique microchip identification number and only allows that cat access. The locking can also be manual switched to keep your cat in or out if the need arises.

Locking functionality?

Microchip access
Open
Closed
Enter Only
Exit Only

Where can these be used?

UPVC Doors
Glass units (in both doors and windows)

This whirlwind guide was designed to make understanding what different types of cat flaps offer, allowing you to choose the right one for you and your feline friend!
If you have any more question about what cat flap to choose, where it can be installed or how to use one, shoot us and email!

We look forward to helping you soon, and remember - Why Replace... We Repair...