Best Cat Flaps for 2022

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 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.

This option can be installed within doors, in walls or in glass, with the appropriate accessories all being available. There is a four-way manual lock option so you can choose whether your cat is only allowed in, out, both or none at certain times of the day.

Battery power means it can also be installed anywhere, and each set should last for about one year so you don’t have to panic about Socks being left out in the cold all of a sudden. It takes just one press of a button to programme your cat’s microchip to the flap, and it is stored in the memory forever.

If you’re feeling very 21st century, there’s also the ability to download the Sure Petcare app so you can see who is in and who is out when you’re at work. We found it really easy to set up and keep an eye on, and it was reliable too.

Featuring a magnetic locking system which allows your cat to explore freely, this door also features four-way locking in case you want a bit of restriction in place.

With a draught excluder, it won’t blow open and let all that cold winter air into your home. There is a three-step installation guide, and it is suitable for any wall, window or door depending on preference as there is a tunnel extension available.

You get one collar and magnetic cat flap key provided, but they are available to buy separately if you have more than one cat or are particular about their collar. The cat will have to be quite close to the flap in order for it to open which may just take a bit of work with timid felines.

There is the choice of white or woodgrain to match your door, and it doesn’t look too out of place either.

One of the more solid on our list if you are looking for something longer term, this cat door is constructed from aluminium frame and a sturdy flexible flap to limit the damage which can be done over time.

There is a magnetic strip at the base of the flap which firmly shuts it until it is forced open, which will limit the amount of weather which can enter your home. You also get a closing panel, which offers even firmer weather resistance and also stops the flap opening entirely so you can limit the movements either in or out.

This flap is available in small, medium, large or extra-large, the latter two are primarily for dogs but you have a choice depending on how large your cat is and the weight limit. Because of the magnetic strip, there is a slight click every time your pet goes through the door, which acts as a good signal to their comings and goings.

A flexible four-way control gives your cat limited freedom to explore, for when you want to try and reign them in a little bit. Say they keep bringing you little ‘gifts’ so you want to let them in manually, or don’t want them going out after dark.

Because it is manual, you don’t have to worry about your cat having a chip or key on their collar to gain access. There is a tunnel included with the purchase whether you need it or not, which is good for thicker doors and can be cut down to match the size.

It takes a little bit of force to get it open, which is good for keeping the weather out but could be trickier for gentle or nervous cats.

Some cats simply need a bigger door to comfortable go in and out, whether it be fur or skin getting in the way.

This is a larger door, with four-way locking to help when you need to limit the comings and goings of Fluffy. At the bottom is a brush strip, which minimises the noise of the flap and also reduces the amount of cold air which can come in or heat which can escape. For some, this will be better than a magnetic strip which is usually on flaps.

The sound of it opening and closing is pretty much non-existent, which is good for those of a nervous disposition. As well, the larger size isn’t just made for larger cats – if yours is nervous and doesn’t like to feel claustrophobic, it could help with making them more confident going in and out.

It is easy to install, with each packet including a template as a guide. Primarily designed for doors and thin panels, it won’t necessarily fit walls and windows but is good in uPVC or wood.

Smart technology has taken over homes up and down the country, and if you want to use your phone to also control your cat’s movements, this microchip model could be ideal.

It reads the chip to keep uninvited guests out, but this isn’t all the hub can do. It can monitor their activity, and notify you of any changes in their behaviour such as a difference in timings or spending longer outside. You also get intruder alerts when another animal has attempted to get in, which could signal the behaviour patterns.

Through your phone and the Sure Petcare app, you will get a notification every time they enter or leave the house, and you can lock or unlock the flap remotely and set curfew times. This is great for Bonfire night or around New Year if you are usually quite flexible but want to keep them safe when you’re out.

If you have more than one cat, DualScan technology lets you set exit permissions for each cat, and up to 32 are remembered. You can fit it in a door, wall or window, and the batteries should last around six months.

What happens if the internet goes down? You can change settings manually, and it will remember the last known settings too.

Determined that your kitty will only be allowed in through the back patio door, conservatory or through the kitchen window after they’ve climbed on the windowsill? You will need a flap appropriate for installing in the glass.

While there are a few out there which can be installed pretty much in any surface, a dedicated glass fitting cat flap will be thinner and cause less damage to the structure of the glass. It is good for panes up to 32mm thick so can fit in most double glazing, and the action is silent for little disturbance.

The flap is draught, water and weatherproof. There’s a brush sealed flap with magnetic closure and it is transparent. This magnet means the cat has to push against it to open, so a bit of wind won’t affect it.

A sliding interlock control for the four-way system means it can’t easily be interfered with, and the overall design ensures it looks good too.

A wooden cat flap is probably not your first thought when looking at which to buy, but hear us out.

The wood makes this flap strong, stable and a lot more attractive than your typical plastic variations. A magnetic lock means it is completely sealed when not in use, so it won’t let through any air or draughts or blow open. There’s also a double rubber seal for extra protection against rain, and the lock also makes it silent so you won’t get loud clinking sounds when Fido returns home at 3 am.

Along the inner side is a solid shutter with steal locks which you can use if you’re not at home or overnight if you don’t want to risk your cat escaping or want to protect your home from possible burglaries.

As it is wood and crafted by hand individually, it is the most expensive on our list, but if you have the perfect front door, garage door or brickwork and don’t want anything unsightly then it could be well worth the investment.

The original method, and still just fine for many cats out there who don’t require limited freedom of fancy locks.

It can either be locked or open both ways, so there is still a bit of restriction there if needed. To lock it, slide down the closing panel which reduces the wind which can get in as well as limiting the movement of the flap.

You can purchase it in three different sizes, small medium and large, depending on just how big and heavy your cat is. Overall, it is a rigid durable build which should remain weatherproof and resistant to any rather forceful pushy cats.

More of a novelty pick if you like the element of fun and quirkiness in your home. This flap looks like a cat, and as Lynx says in the description, “Is your cat square? So why use a boring square cat door?”. They have a point.

It is more designed to be used on the interior of your home, perhaps leading from the kitchen to the garage so they can get access to their litter tray. This is opposed to fitting to a front or back door.

You can buy it in white or black and it can be locked four ways to limit the coming and going of the cat. This could be good if you keep their food bowl in the garage to stop the dog eating it all but also need to stop the cat from overeating.

There are some cat training tips in the booklet included which is a really nice touch, in case you need to get your cat used to the flap.