Cat flaps are only reasonably secure against pet movement. In terms of an intruder, a person can reach through the flap or use a 'fishing rod' to access keys or other small items. Larger dog flaps may provide actual physical access, which must be considered. I do not consider any of the reasonably priced products to be fully secure. The only exceptions are the very expensive petWalk products

There are fire-proofing sleeves for a small number of manual cat flaps, but I personally would not touch a fire door. A fire door is rated as a whole as manufactured and in its unmodified state. It is unclear whether any modifications would invalidate that rating, including the installation of another fire rated product. It is also unclear as to the level of competency of a fitter, and the specification of the actual hole cutting and edge sealing required to ensure that there would be no insurance related issues in case of a fire. I have sought clarification on this, but it is a complex area that does not have a definitive answer. I would suggest that you gain written confirmation from your insurance company before considering this. I would imagine that any such written dispensation would be unlikely

A double glazed unit is toughened (for safety) after the glass has been cut to comply with the Building Regulations. Once toughened it cannot be modified in any way without shattering, so a new unit is made to replace it. I generally replace smaller single glazing with a glass like polycarbonate sheet. Larger panes of single glazing are fragile and I tend not to fit them, although you may find someone who might

A microchip cat flap reads a cat's existing chip, so a collar is not needed. If your cat is not chipped, then collar disc tags are available which contain one

This FAQ relates to Sureflap's microchip cat flaps and pet doors. Your cat can be registered using a single press of a button located under a cover. Sureflap provides a short video for the cat flap here, the DualScan model here, and the pet door here. The 'learning' mode can be switched off in each case by presing the button again

The connect models are best setup using the mobile app. The app can be found on Google Play or the App Store by searching for 'Sure Petcare'. The app is self explanatory

I have had cats start to use the flap as I am fitting it, while a timid cat may take a week. Generally it is far sooner as it is so keen to be outside. The best way is to encourage your cat through with treats while holding the flap open fom the other side. It is unlikely that your cat will appreciate being pushed through. If it does not want to play ball, then leave it to explore the flap in its own time before trying again. Once it starts to use the flap, it will soon get used to pushing the flap open on its own and putting its head through. The curiosity of cats will get it there one way or another

If your cat is frightened by the clicking of the lock that a microchip cat flap makes, then it can be set in manual mode in order for your cat to get used to using it. After that, the batteries can then be replaced

A microchip cat flap reads your cat's microchip, so will only open for your cat and keep all other cats out. It can cope with any other cats as it can selectively register up to 32 pets at any one time. A manual cat flap can be a cheaper alternative and be perfectly functional, but it will allow free access to any other cat who discovers it (unless it is manually locked). I have replaced manual cats flaps with microchip ones where another cat has stolen food, sprayed in the house, or has fought with a customer's cats. The microchip model provides that extra peace of mind

I address the physical places that a cat flap can be fitted in another FAQ in this section. There is also the consideration of cost, which is a FAQ in the 'Work Enquiry' section. The best place is really down to personal choice and the needs of your cat, including access to its food and water. How it works for you and your cat is something that is between to you and the life of your cat, and is something I could never fully appreciate. Once a path has been established and the general locations that outdoor access would be possible, then the final location can be chosen with consideration of the available methods and cost (see other FAQs)

The only choice of method that often comes up is between fitting a cat flap in glass or a wall. Again this is really down to a personal preference, and usually the desired location takes sway. The main benefit of glass is that the existing panel can be kept and easily refitted at a later date if required. I guess that the numbers I fit in glass or walls is around 60:40% and I have no preference either way

In practice there are two types, manual and microchip, referring to how the flap is operated. The other two being magnetic and infra-red require collar tags which are bulky and can be lost, so I don't recommend them

The cat flap model has to be chosen for where it is to be fitted, but it can be located in most doors, windows and walls. Doors generally provide the most flexibility in the choice of a cat flap. Those fitted into glass are specifically designed to do so, limited the choice to those. Glass requires a minimum edge clearance from the hole of 60mm, meaning that the width of glass pane has to be at least the hole size plus twice the edge clearance. A Sureflap cat flap requires a 212mm hole, so a minimum pane width of 332mm, part of which is hidden by the window frame. I do have a method of using a part uPVC panel should your glass be narrower. I only fit the Sureflap cat flap sized range of products into walls using a coring technique, avoiding the otherwise required dirtier methods for health reasons. The only problem area is sliding doors

You don't as it's a personal choice, although one can provide the convenience for your cat to come and go as it pleases, whilst maintaining control. Your cat will very much appreciate the freedom to exercise, which is essential for its physical and mental wellbeing

Cat flaps have brushes to seal the flap edges, but a plastic flap cannot provide as tight a seal as the original door, glass or wall that it is fitted into. It is a compromise that needs to be considered. There is a draught proof solution from a company called petWalk, but the flap alone is priced in the thousands