The 10 best cat flaps to buy in the UK
Looking for the best cat flap for your furry friend? It’s a great investment for any cat owner, allowing your pet to easily come and go from your home without needing you to open the door. Yet, finding the right cat flap is not always easy. There are a lot of products to choose from and you may have unique requirements for your pet, which is why it helps to do some research before buying so you know exactly what you need. To help you find the best cat flaps, check out the buying guide below.
What are cat flaps?
A cat flap is a small opening that lets cats enter and exit a property without opening a door. Original cat flaps were simply small holes cut into a door but modern products are far more sophisticated, such as cat flaps controlled by the cat’s microchip to prevent strays from entering.
Why should you buy a good cat flap?
If your cat is allowed outdoors then the best cat flap is highly recommended. It allows you to provide around-the-clock access to the garden and the outside world without needing to open and close the door yourself. This is especially useful if you are out at work but don’t want to leave the cat stuck inside or outside, with a cat flap allowing coming and going as it pleases.
How to choose the right cat flap in 2024?
Choosing the best cat door can be challenging if you are unsure of what you need, so here are some things to consider when buying:
- Opening Mechanism: Cat doors come with various opening mechanisms, so be sure to consider what is best for your needs. For example, manual flaps are basic, featuring a hinged opening that the cat pushes against to open, so while cheap it does not prevent other cats from entering. 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.
- Features: While a basic cat flap does not come with any features beyond opening and closing, some products come with additional functions you may find useful. For example, a microchip cat flap may have programable timers that lock and unlock during the programmed time frames. Many allow you to apply settings for several cats, which can be handy for restricting access if one needs to remain indoors after a visit to the vet, while there are even cat flaps that come with compatible apps for controlling the settings remotely.
- Size: There is no standard size for cat flaps. So you need to check what size of the opening you require. If your cat is normal sized then a standard cat flap size should work fine, although you may need to go for something larger if you have a big cat. Also, larger-sized cat flaps can be used for small-sized dogs.
What is the best kind of cat flap in the UK?
There are a few popular types of cat flaps available to buy:
- Manual Cat Flaps: The most basic type of cat flap, these are opened by the cat itself pushing against the flap. You can control access with this type of cat flap, beyond locking it, so you may get unwanted cats and other animals using it.
- Magnetic Cat Flaps: This type of cat flap is opened via a magnetic lock, with a magnet attached to the cat’s collar unlocking it as it pushes through, helping to prevent strays and other cats from entering.
- Microchip Cat Flaps: The best cat flap in terms of functionality, it features a sensor that uses the cat’s microchips to grant access. You can use this to control access for many cats, making it a great choice for a multi-cat household. Of course, it also prevents other cats from entering.
Top 10 list of cat flaps in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their cat flaps. Which cat flap is the best?
- WARRANTY - The PetSafe Staywell Manual 4 Way Locking Classic Cat Flap includes a…
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL LOCKING - The 4 Way Locking Classic Cat Flap provides your Cats with…
- THICKER WALLS For installation into thicker Doors the 917EF model Cat Flap includes…
- For cats and small dogs up to 7kg
- Suitable for doors of any thickness with optional tunnel or customer supplied tu…
- Plastic locking closing panel for secure closing when not in use plastic locking…
- Weather-Proof, Draught-Proof, and Rain-Proof: The fully brush-sealed flap with magnetic…
- Installation Anywhere: Whether it's a UPVC/metal door, wall, or wooden door,…
- Secure & Silent: Tamper-proof, super-tough polymer construction ensures safety…
- Simple Installation - Package includes detailed instructions(with templates on),…
- Durable & Comfortable - Made of sturdy ABS plastic, the cat door interior door…
- No Tunnel Part, No Need to Cut - The panels are only 2cm thick and tightly fitted,…
- Easy Installation for All Door Types: Self-lining up to 50mm (2") thick, making…
- Silent Action: Enjoy a quiet home with the silent action of the cat flap. No loud…
- Secure and Pet-Friendly: Keep unwanted visitors out and your small to average-sized…
- 3-YEAR WARRANTY: Helping you care for your pets, with peace of mind
- BATTERY POWERED: Up to 12 months battery life. Use with 4 x AA batteries (not in…
- SIMPLE ONE BUTTON PROGRAMMING: Easy and hassle-free set-up with the touch of a button,…
- Easy to Install: The cat door for exterior door comes with detailed instructions,…
- Versatile: Perfect for interior and exterior doors of wood, PVC, metal, paneled,…
- Large Size: 23.5 x 5.5 x 25 cm(L x W x H) outer size, 18 x 19 cm(W x H) flap, this…
- Large Size: External dimensions are 9.8 x 9.2 x 2.08 inches (25 x 23.5 x 5.3 cm)…
- Excellent Quality: Made of ABS material, weather-resistant, the surface is smooth…
- Easy to Install: The cat door flap for exterior door comes with detailed instructions,…
- WARRANTY – The Staywell Big Cat / Small Dog Pet Door includes a 3 year manufacturer’s…
- EASY INSTALLATION - The Circular shape and flexible plastic construction of the Pet…
- WEATHER PROOF, ENERGY EFFICIENT – The Draft Excluder around the Pet Door insulates…
- FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE: When you’re stuck late at work (or just sleeping…
- PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM THE ELEMENTS: The energy-efficient weather stripping and 2…
- LOCK WHEN YOU NEED TO: The manual 4-way lock allows you to control your cat’s…
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