This award winner is compatible with veterinary microchips and RFID collar tags. If you have an existing cat flap, it has been designed to act as a drop-in replacement for easy switching to the new technology. Setup is easy, with one-button programming. However, this flap is marginally slower to open than some others and this may take your cat a little while to get used to, so be patient. The cat flap has a green light that appears when a chip is read successfully, and the LED light will also indicate when the battery is running low. Powered by four AA batteries, battery life is impressive at around 12 months.

This article was written by Steven Asarch, a freelance writer and product expert, for The Spruce. A devout cat dad of two, he has expert experience figuring out which products are perfect for them. Steven has previously analyzed testing data, tried out products at home, and provided recommendations for other categories of cat products, including catnip toys, wand toys, litter disposal systems, and also wrote an exhaustive list of the essentials you should have before welcoming a new kitten into your home. Don’t get disturbed at night – No more being woken by your cat meowing to be let out while you’re sleeping Most cat owners know that even when it’s windy and rainy, cats still want to come and go. This product’s A+ rating and magnetic closures should comfort you that you won’t be getting a storm inside, even if there’s a storm outside! One thing to be wary of is the sensors; they may require regular cleaning. When sensors are clogged with cat hair, the battery can drain because it presumes a cat is using the flap. Giving the sensors a regular wipe should reduce any problems with this SureFlap cat flap malfunctioning.

Help and Resources

Start by measuring the distance from the bottom of your cat's stomach to the floor. This is approximately how many inches you should place the bottom of the cat door from the floor.

Brands that are well known really did come through here. PetSafe, SureFlap and CatMate rule the market for good reason. Types Of Cat Flap Microchip Drill holes – With the four corners already marked, simply drill holes all the way through the door in those four places As a general rule, the simplest way to fit a cat flap is within a flat panel of a wooden door. You just need to make sure the installation is watertight to stop rain from penetrating the door.If you are planning to install a cat flap in your home, we can help you find the best local cat flap fitters in your area. Installation is also made significantly easier with the included cutting template – perfect if you want to reduce the time spent working out measurements. If you’re putting the flap into a wooden door, this PetSafe Microchip Cat Flap requires no additional parts or adaptors to install it into a wood surface. Measure their width – The widest part of your cat will usually be their chest or hips, so take a measurement from one side to the other The conventional place to install a cat flap is in a door. But new cat flaps are designed in a way that makes them suitable for windows and walls too.

Smooth the edges – Before fitting a cat flap, smooth the edges with sandpaper. Again, go slowly and keep an eye on the lines to make sure you don’t remove too much of the door Measure their torso – Excluding their legs, you want to measure the longest part of your cat’s torso, which is usually from the top of their shoulders to the bottom of their chest or stomach Are there limitations on where the cat flap can go? (for example, the maximum width of a door panel) Microchip identification flaps are often thought of as the best option for keeping unwelcome moggies out of your home. But they’re also great if you want your cats to come and go as they please, or if you want to prevent one going out but not the others.This weatherproofing gives you that extra benefit of reducing what you might spend on your heating bill, if you had a conventional cat flap. Prop the cat flap open with a peg or strong tape. Give your cat time to get used to going in and out through the hole and lower it slightly over time so that they have to start pushing it a little. If your cat is reluctant to use the flap, try enticing them through with their favourite treats. It’s suitable for use on any door, simply using adhesive tape and strong screws to fix into place. Finished in high-gloss white, the door is also paintable if you want to change the colour to blend in with your existing door. And, with no flap to push open, it should be simple for every cat to master.

You also want to make sure that your cat flap isn’t too close to a door or window, as creating the hole for the cat flap could weaken the structure of the wall. Magnetic and chipped cat flaps provide controlled access, either via a magnet on the cat’s collar or their microchip, being more expensive but ensuring no unwanted visitors use the opening. Swapping to the outside of your house, place the external frame onto the flap. Using a pencil, mark the spots where you’ll need to drill. Some cat flaps have magnetic strips which secure the flap when it’s not in use. This is a good protective measure against wind.However, if you’re an experienced DIY enthusiast, cat flaps usually come with an installation kit that typically includes a paper template showing you exactly where you need to drill holes to fit the cat flap. How to fit a cat flap in a wooden door