Are you wondering if a catflap or pet door is right for you? Whether you’re looking to get a catflap in UPVC door newly fitted within your home, or want to know what pet doors dogs of different sizes require, we’ll explore in this blog the benefits and options for having a manual or microchip catflap (or pet door for dogs) within a door, including how they work and what you can do to teach your beloved pet how to use one.

Do I need a catflap or pet door?

While it isn’t necessary, it will certainly be beneficial for you and your pet.

Independence for your cat or dog – they can go outside and return with ease
Convenient for you – no need to constantly open the door to let your pet out or back in
Reduces accidents – your pet can easily do their business, and they won’t scratch your new door trying to get back in

A catflap or pet door can make life easier for for feline or canine friend

How do I stop other cats from coming through my catflap?

All of our catflaps and pet doors can be locked to prevent your pets from leaving, or other animals from entering.
A manual catflap is locked and unlocked by hand – most models include 4-way locking (open, closed, in-only, out-only).
A microchip catflap recognises your pets – it scans your cat or dog’s unique microchip and only allow them to enter.

A demonstration of a manual catflap's locking mechanism

Do microchip pet doors work?

Yes, they work by scanning the microchip within your cat or dog.

Simply register your pet’s microchip to the pet door.
No collar tags are needed.
You can even set permissions with DualScan and Connect (catflaps only) – keep one cat indoors while others can leave, an ideal option for managing a sick cat.
The SureFlap Connect allows remote access, controlled by the PetCare app in conjunction with the SureFlap Hub.

SureFlap Connect catflap operated by smart phone and SureFlap Hub

The SureFlap Connect works with the Hub and Petcare App to give you remote access, and even monitor your pet's activities

Is it better to put a catflap in the wall or door?

While it is a matter of preference, there are advantages to installing one within a door.

Easier installation – Doors are not as thick and cumbersome as brickwork, and a cat flap can also be installed within glass.
More flexibility – Should you need to remove a catflap, for example if you’re selling a house, it is much easier to replace a panel or glass within a door than fill in a brick wall.

How to teach a cat to go through a catflap, or dog through a pet door

Be patient – It takes time for your pet to get used to using the pet door, and being forceful will discourage them.

Teach them to go in and out - Prop open the pet door, and lure your pet through using treats or their favourite toy. Remember to show them that the flap goes both ways!
Reward success – Give your pet treats and praise for a job well done!
Don’t scold them! – Again, patience is the key. Don’t scold your pet if they hesitate or have an accident.
Encourage pushing – Once your pet gets the hang of going in and out of the pet door, gradually lower the flap to encourage them to push through on their own. When they are confident, you can remove the prop.

Cats and dogs of different sizes with different pet doors

Size matters. Make sure your catflap or pet door suits the pet using it

Catflap and pet door options

The most important factor for any catflap or pet door is to measure your pet. For example, you may require small pet doors for cats of larger size. After which, you’ll need to decide whether a manual or microchip option is for you.

This guide shows you how to correctly measure your pet

The table below shows a detailed comparison of our available products

Product	Pet size	Inner width x height	Manual lock	Microchip	Fits in glass	Set separate pet rules	Remote access	Available colours
Petsafe Catflap	Average Cat	162mm x 140mm	4-way	✗ NO	✗ NO	✗ NO	✗ NO	⚪ White
Petsafe Pet Door	Large Cat/Small Dog	200mm x 180mm	4-way	✗ NO	✗ NO	✗ NO	✗ NO	⚫ White
Petsafe Pet Door	Medium Dog	267mm x 228mm	2-way	✗ NO	✗ NO	✗ NO	✗ NO	⚪ White ⚫ Brown
Cat Mate Catflap	Average Cat	152mm x 150mm	4-way	✗ NO	✓ YES	✗ NO	✗ NO	⚫ White
Pet-Tek Pet Door	Medium to Semi-Large Dog	300mm x 270mm	4-way	✗ NO	✓ YES	✗ NO	✗ NO	⚪ White
SureFlap Catflap	Average Cat	142mm x 120mm	4-way	✓ YES	✓ YES	✗ NO	✗ NO	⚫ White ⚫ Brown ⚫ Grey
SureFlap DualScan Catflap	Average Cat	142mm x 120mm	4-way	✓ YES	✓ YES	✓ YES	✗ NO	⚪ White
SureFlap Connect Catflap	Average Cat	142mm x 120mm	4-way	✓ YES	✓ YES	✓ YES	✓ YES	⚫ White
SureFlap Pet Door	Small Dog	178mm x 170mm	4-way	✓ YES	✓ YES	✗ NO	✗ NO	⚪ White ⚫ Brown
SureFlap Connect Pet Door	Small Dog	178mm x 170mm	4-way	✓ YES	✓ YES	✗ NO	✓ YES	⚫ White

Looking for your new door too?

Order a new composite or UPVC door with a pre-fitted catflap or pet door

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Send a quick message via the tab on the right or our Contact Us page.
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Catflaps and Pet Doors