PetSafe Staywell 4 Way Locking Classic Cat Flap, Easy Install, Durable, Pet Door for Cats – (Tunnel Included)



More Time to Spend with Your Cat
Manual 4-Way Locking Classic Cat Flap
The 4 Way Locking System provides flexibility and convenience to Pets and Owners alike, offering full control of your Cat’s roaming. With the help of the Quick installation guide, the Manual 4 Way Locking Classic Cat Flap can be fitted into Walls and Doors of any material Easily. Stimulating your Cat’s natural instincts and curiosity the Classic Cat Flap extends your furry friends boundaries giving them the freedom and independence you will both love.
- Durable plastic frame
- Manual 4-Way lock: in only, out only, open and locked
- For cats up to 7 kg
- Maximum shoulder width: 162 mm
- Includes a fixed tunnel
- Fits doors up to 57 mm thick (with tunnel)
A Company You Can Trust
- Global brand in pet products for nearly 30 years
- EU – Based experts available
- We help pets and their people live happily together!
Manual 4-Way Lock
| | | |
---|---|---|---|
In onlyYour pet can enter but not exit | Out onlyYour pet can exit but not enter. This way strays and other animals are kept outside. | In or outThis setting allows your pet entry in both directions. | Fully lockedThis setting allows your pet no entry in either direction. |
Measures
| | |
---|---|---|
Cut-out sizeX = 169 mm Y= 169 mm | Glass cut-out sizeX = 210 mm | Frame dimensionsX = 223 mm Y = 223 mm
|
Weight: | 336 g |
Model: | 917SGIFD |
Colour: | White |
Pack Quantity: | 1 |
Batteries Required: | No |
Batteries Included: | No |
Colour: | White |
Quantity: | 1 |
Volume: | 703.52 |
Took a while to train the cat but now is constantly in and out definitely worth the purchase rather than keeping the door open in colder months
First ever cat flap purchase and install.
Works well and doesn’t make too much noise when the cat goes in and out.
Easy to install, especially if you use a jigsaw. Only thing I would say is take extra care making sure everything is level and consider the drop on the otherwise.
Really happy with this product and as a result, I have also purchased the microchip version from PetSafe.
This is perfect. I was so proud of myself for installing this. Trickiest bit was lining up the screws. Get the correct tooks. I used a mini hacksaw to cut. The template is very helpful so i advise you use it. I highly recommend this product.
Easy to fit and good quality.
One of my cats is quite fat and won’t use it though. Not the fault of this catflap as the company do sell larger versions but this is certainly not suitable for big cats.
Good value for money, Good locking system and quite easy to install over a previous catflap.
I generally fit this type for all my customers that just want to let the cat in or out.
Fit double glazed panels and single.
Good budget cat flap
Very easy and quick to install. We unscrewed our old one * must be at least 10,+ years old now- then attached the new in exactly the same place. Took all of 3 minutes.
Our previous catflap was destroyed when the dog decided to try and follow the cat through the cat flap and into the kitchen.
He has absolutely no concept of spacial awareness.
We dont always lock the catflap, so haven’t actually tested this bit yet.
Fantastic cat flap, no draughts, seals shut once cat is through and doesn’t clatter several times once cat has gone through like other flaps do. Would recommend and would buy again.
Had one previously but door cracked. Shame you can’t just replace it cheaply, more cost effective to replace whole thing! Easy to install, bit stiff initially but soon eased.
Great product . Easing to install ( if you know which way up it’s supposed to go !) . Quality and does the job
i have had one before at my old house had no problems.. so when we moved i just got the same one again works great!!
We installed this ourselves in a uPVC door with ridges to cut through. The included paper template won’t work on doors with ridges, bit get 3 corners accurate and do some careful measuring for the 4th.
The magnet is quite strong, and our cats had no idea what to do with the cat flap so we removed it initially which was easy to do. Once the cats had sussed it the magnet went back on easily.
The lock in/out knob is fairly easy to turn, if not a little small to grip but works great
Other than that: it’s a cat flap. It flaps for cats. 5 stars.
Good quality I use mine for my Chihuahua, shuts nice and snug not sure why some reviews say diff mine is fine
We have used this type of cat door for many years. Replacements only become necessary when a cat is in a rush ( being chased ? ) and puts a little too much weight on the tunnel step. This doesn’t happen very often. All of our cats, past and present, have learned to use it quickly. Would recommend this item.
My cat sometimes does not come back for night and I was worried do I decided to put it Cat flap in the garadge and make him cosy Space there Just In case. The Cat flap is up Just to help her with using it as she is still learning.
This was an exact replica of my old cat flap which was great for fitting. I had had the old one for years & it was looking a bit tatty, so decided to replace.
Perfect, took my cat about 3 weeks to start using it.
Had to encourage him by holding it open.
Thought the magnet was to strong for him at first, but he’s used to it now.
This fitted my very old, same-brand cat flap that I bought over 20 years ago, making it very easy to install in the preexisting hole. Does what it says on the tin.
It’s not electronic, has simple lock mechanism, but it’s cheap and relatively easy to install if you have a jig saw and a drill.
I have the more expensive electronic cat flap installed on our 2nd door inside.
Hubby installed this with no fuss. We did take the magnetic strip of as it wasn’t working well with our cats and chihuahua. No faults. Works well as used continously 24/7 with 4 cats and 1 pup.
I used this item to enhance a hole drilled through my garage door which allows me to pass through the charging lead for my electric car. When not charging the magnetic flap adds to the weather protection for the door.
I love this brand of catflap and have used them for years. They are durable and reliable and stay shut in windy conditions. Extremely easy to fit as well. Would highly recommend.
I bought two of these cat flaps , one for the metal garage door and one for a timber door leading out of the garage. They were to replace old similar ones. They were easy to fit and the cats used them straight away.
I have next to no diy skills and was able to install this myself although was a bit of a faff but could have been my door rather than the flap.
I wouldn’t recommend getting this cat flap if you have a small cat, the flap has a magnet which holds it in place even when fully unlocked and our small cat is struggling to get the flap open on her own, so probably more suited to a bigger cat or one that is used to cat flaps.
Also don’t forget to account for the height on both sides, forgot about the drop outside so will have to build a platform to make it easier for the cat to come back in.
An exact replacement for one we have had for nearly 10 years. We only needed the flap part as the previous one got cracked, but you tend to pay as much for a part as you would the whole thing. Would be nice if the manufacturers would provide an extra one as a back up.
I have several cats so need a sturdy cat flap. This was quite easy to install and lock.
Happy with my purchase and value for money:
My cats absolutely love their new door. Only problem is they think it’s a game to come out through their door and then run round to the kitchen door and wait to be let in. They will keep playing this game all day long, as long as someone opens the kitchen door for them. This is by far their most favourite toy ever. I may need to buy a second one for the kitchen door.
have already had one of these doors for years just buy a replacement when needed so have everything ready so just have to screw it i
Our rescue cat has learnt he can used this cat flap but he is struggling to be able to use it properly because the magnetic door is quite hard for him to open. He needs to use his forehead rather than his nose and that is taking a while to learn. However, it is a good piece of kit once that is learnt.
Quite small. I thought these were a standard size. Check before you buy as a large cat couldn’t use this
Great product, I’ve bought this product a few times (due to wear and tear) very easy to install and lock! Cats get oh well with i
Good product but not quite the same mounting dimensions of the one the cat destroyed when she saw the catbox, Why change the measurements?
The cat flap was really easy to fit and worked quite well. Unfortunately after being used for a month the plastic flap has broken and fell off. I have contacted the company but had no response. I have now bought a better quality cat flap instead. My advice would be to save your money.
It arrived promptly. I soon discovered it had no tunnel . My back door is quite thick. I had to order a separate tunnel which is now fitted. It works well
Instructions easy to follow on flat door surfaces. Fairly difficult on more sturdier doors.
All works as it should. Seen a couple of reviews on here were people say it doesn’t open very well. The magnets are strong. But its more to do with the fact people put these in way too tight. Plastic doesnt likr tight holes make sure when u slide this in its not tight if you have to force it in thats a result of the fitter not the part.
Installed ourselves. No issues. My cat can get in and out ok – the lock mechanism is fine – obviously it is manual so you have to let cats in or out as you feel is necessary – usually we just put it on in/out – but we have got a new kitten so will need to restrict access to outside using this mechanism.
Cat comes in and out, flap stays nicely closed with the magnetic strip, lock is effective and reliable. All good. Easy to install with paper template cutting guide and all screws that are needed.
I’ve been looking for a replica of my old cat flap.this is perfect..my frind installed it….which I’m relieved makes my kitchen warmer.easy to use….only draw back our puss has decide she preferred the old broken one….we have bern door monitors for a month.. but now shes using it…
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the Cat flap, good magnetic seal, nice finis and looks good.
The product comes in two halves with screws of varying length to fit most doors and screw covers. Use the screw pair most suitable for the door thickness. Template is included with the instructions and I had the flap fitted to my PVC door in less than an hour including having a cup of coffee.
Now I just have to train the cats to use the flap!
Bought for my mums cat to go into her new house
It was fitted by the company who was fitting the door
The only issue was it was a little stiff at the beginning and the cat struggled to go out but could get in ok
We have had this Cat flap before and it has been very good but it was time for a replacement so we went for the same type because we knew the last one had been very good. It is very easy to fit and does the job.
Bought this to replace a broken one. Needed to buy the extension piece too.
Only problem is,our dog tried to push his head through while it was locked and subsequently smashed the plastic flap again
So back to square one,with large crack,will have to get out the gorilla glue!
Only after 12 odd years of use did I have to buy a replacement as my dog had attacked the external tunnel in her hope of getting to the cat!! …. so easy to install and the job was done in a couple of minutes …… we have two of these installed in our house so our cat has a alternate means of escape
Replaced same cat flap as cat had cracked flap when it was locked, trying to escape, He knew he was going to the vet. One of the easiest jobs ever. Simply unscrew 2 screws on old flap, wipe cat hair & muck away from opening, put new flap in place & screw together with new screws in same place as old cat flap. Didn’t even take me 5 minutes.
Even starting from scratch cutting hole instructions are excellent.
Better value & easier than simply replacing flap itself.
Highly recommended basic cat flap for the money. Definitely would buy again.
My other cats flap was showing it’s age, and in order to make sure we didn’t have a problem we decided to get a new one for 12 as a backup, but when we got it decided to install it immediately because making sure the cat has access to the garden is so important.
Had for around 6 months, both cats love it and used it immediately after installation. Our cats are able to open it if it is only locked on one side, I think they use their paws to pull it towards them. But when fully locked it is great. Easy to clean too.
This has saved my house from smelling as my stupid cat finally worked out after several days how to use it. I’m very happy as I’m bedbound so he would be screaming at me to let him out. Now hes a happy cat and so am I. Great price
This is an excellent product which was is solid, well constructed and very easy to install. It was a replacement for an existing cat flap which had broken after many years use. It fitted the existing hole in or door perfectly. Although the same make and external measurements this newer version has a slightly smaller flap which our overweight cat struggles to get through. She is now on a diet.
Works well, the cats have no problem using this cat flap. The magnet ensures that the door closes and you dont get any drafts.
Can’t tell you about installation as it was given to a company to install in our new door.
As I’ve recently moved house, I had to get a new catflap. My first go to is always Petsafe Staywell. They are sturdy and strong and have never let me down in all these years, or my cats.
Excellent Product and therefore I would highly recommend
Bought this to replace a very similar old one which had broken with time. Decent sturdy quality which is as described in the advert. Please note, I’ve given it 5 stars in the easy to install section as the hole was already in the door, as such set up took seconds with a few screws that come provided. If you don’t have a hole in your door already then you’ll need to sort that before buying this….
Easy to fit, easy to use but our cat struggles getting through it. He is a big cat and weighs 13lbs (vet said thats not a problem his just huge) so really we should have gone for next size up for him, but he still uses it if no door servants are available. First cat flap our cat has had in his 8 years, worked it out rather quickly.
The cats can get in and out no problem and the locking mechanism is simple to use. They were a bit suspicious at first, but that’s cats for you. The opening is smaller than our last fatclap but they soon got used to it. I’m sure that the smaller orifice contributes to stopping the giraffes so I wouldn’t call it a design fault.
I’m off to enjoy our giraffe free kitchen.
I am pleased with the cat flap does everything it should do . I personley didn’t fit it ,I left if for the kitchen fitter to do for me as at the time I was having anew kitchen fitted ,so all went well and cat is using it .
Overall this is the best cheap cat flap on Amazon in my opinion.
We’ve using this cat flap for three weeks and already we are on the third set of batteries. It works brilliantly….does what it says on the tin….but having to change the batteries every week makes it a worry that the cat won’t be able to come back in when she needs to if we’re out all day and the batteries fail.
As a follow up….this proved to be a faulty unit which Petsafe were happy to replace without fuss.
Bought as a direct replacement as the other was getting a bit tatty now and we cannot have our Rosie walking through a tatty flap. Wouldn’t use anything other than these as they are good value, easy to install and with a simple but very useful and effective locking system.
If Rosie is happy then so are we. 😉
Review of: PetSafe Staywell 4 Way Locking Classic Cat Flap, Easy Install, Durable, Pet Door for Cats
I bought two of these to install one inside and one outside on a thick exterior wall to make a tunnel. I was concerned they would blow open and let a draft in but the magnet strip spans the entire way around the door/flap so it seals tightly, it would take a hurricane to blow it open.
;/ :
– Easy to install. Very tight seal. Good for any size cat.
Bought to replace cat flap chewed by our previous dog. Very pleased with flap so far. Locking lot better than previous flap as very strong, cats cannot just move lock like previous flap. As picture. So far so good.
This is a replacement for the same cat flap we’ve had for about 10 years. Modestly priced, it’s the best one we’ve tried. It was easy to fit first time and even easier to replace.
Tried the costlier magnetic ones and our cat was always loosing the pricey magnets & then would barge it open so it broke soon.
If you have a strong cat they can head butt it and damage the lock as our’s did, but only when it got to the end of it’s life and eventually the rubber seal came off too. It still functioned perfectly well without the lock/seal. We replaced it because the wind was blowing it open too often.
Easy to install. Very good quality and excellent value. Draught proofing could be a little more effective. Works well for our four geriatric cats and large enough for our 6kg tabby to get through. However, have now replaced it with an automated RF cat flap to prevent unwanted guests.
Good quality pet flap with a easy to use 4 way locking system.
The magnetic flap stays shut in string winds and keeps the rain out.
Took my 2 kittens about a week to get used to the magnetic flap but they got there in the end.
I’m no DIY expert but I managed to fit this flap in about an hour with a drill,jigsaw and Stanley knife.
I fitted this in five minutes to replace an identical item that had lasted for 10 years of heavy use. There is an ingenious latch you can set to lock, to keep cats in or keep them out as you will. Most cats will get the hang of it in a day or so. Recommended
Bought for our rabbit to hop into his run, works a treat. It took me ages to get the courage to cut into the chicken wire walls but it was all far easier to install than I anticipated. Really pleased with it. The rabbit threw a fit at first at this new thing but then started bouncing around with joy once he realised what it allowed him to do. Fab.
Very good, basic, no frills but lockable cat flat. Bought to replace the electric chip recognition version when we moved house. Fitted the old hole in the door perfectly and the screw holes lined up too. Very happy customer.
I bought a different type of cat flap recently, one with slide-along red and green catches – awful. I wouldn’t buy that type of cat flap again. This one, however, is very good quality and came at a cheaper price than the other sort. It’s much easier to use, fits any type of door, looks much better and most importantly, the cat uses it without any trouble at all whereas the other one would stick at times. If anyone is looking for a cat flap, go for this type – and this make is excellent for the price.
One of the best brands in my view, sturdy/ pleasing to the eye and just good quality
The only reason I purchased this item is because I was having the room re modelled and my old one of these was 10 years old and grubby, thought if I’m having the room done out fresh with everything new, may aswell change this too, however the old one looked grubby but was 10 years old and intact/ nothing broken, that’s why I went with a direct replacement from stay well
Install wise this was a doddle, the template to use for the shape to cut was so handy. It was in within 10 mins. The nice thing about this is the fact that it does a good job of sealing the gaps when closed, it used magnetic rim all the way around which then seal with the frame, the cold air coming in from this is much less then I expected. The lock works fine and generally im very happy with this, the cat is now delerious with power about coming and going.
Have cats changed shape in the last few years? This was bought as a replacement for a broken Staywell cat-flap. For all intents and purposes, the old and new look the same. However, for some reason, Staywell has decided that the aperture in the door has to be different, so out with the jigsaw. Why would they change the shape? Sigh. Anyway, apart from that, it’s a perfectly suitable cat-flap.
This is a replacement for one of the same model I fitted 12years ago so it has served me well, only replacing it because plastic of the tunnel has become brittle and parts broken of leaving sharp edges.other than that the mechanism is still functioning as it should, the flap still intact even after several times my cats have charged through it like elephants many times. Very good quality item and much less hassle than magnetic or electronic models which can confuse cats and they lose the magnets.Would definately recommend the Staywell and would buy again.
Bought to replace an identical one which was destroyed by our dog (German Shredder).
Fitted the original hole without modification.
I did note however that the design has changed very slightly over the 15+ years that the current one had been fitted. There are strengthening pieces moulded into the original one, which were not in the new one.
I will happily stick with this brand however as you can buy parts direct, and they are cheap and fast.
Only lost one star as the “durable” from the title is probably less true than it was.
I needed to replace my previous Staywell cat flap which was looking a bit tatty and grubby. It lasted me (and the cat) 13 years so it has done us proud!
I was worried that the replacement would not fit the existing holes in the back door. I shouldn’t have worried. It fitted PURRfectly!
Really happy 🙂
I really like this cat flap. I fitted one in my front door. Because it’s so good, I bought one for my mother-in-law’s back door, which I fitted. She’s just got to get her rescued cat to use it! (Her previous rescued cat used it all the time, so I know it’s nothing to do with it, or my handiwork!!) I like this cat flap because of the 4-way lock, the magnetic strip that keeps it shut (although not sure if this is standard) and it looks good!
Research said that this new Petsafe Staywell flap was the newer model of the previous one. So crossed my fingers and ordered. Was a simple 5 minute job – unscrewed the old one, took out, put new one in and screwed back up. Perfect fit, screw holes in same place. Cats can now come in and out safely and I know the won’t get stuck out again. Plus they are enjoying seeing each other and playing cat wars through the flap.
I was afraid of my cat sleeping out this winter with snow and so but I’m so broke I have to spit in the frying pan to do my eggs in the morning so I went for that one. It works like a treat. It has a magnet at the bottom so the door doesn’t flap when it closes. I was scared it was a little bit tough to open for the cat, but he is strong, so strong that with one catslap he can change your zodiac sign. It’s easy to install and it comes with a paper template. The only thing is it has the tunnel included, so you can install it through thick walls or cut the leftover if it’s too long.
An excellent product, not at all difficult to fit and it looks smart. The hardest part is measuring the cat from floor to under belly!!! The cat flap locks effectively, four ways and is easy to keep clean. Unfortunately, the initial one I ordered had a small fault which prevented one of the fixing screws from seating, but the problem was quickly resolved by Amazon and we now have a secure cat flap that works as intended. I recommend this product.
It’s on the small side but ok for my cat. She didn’t like the noise of the magnets at first but she’s used to it now. I don’t think it was made clear that you need an extension if you’re fitting it to an ordinary upvc door and I didn’t buy one. Luckily it’s not an outside door so not subject to weather and so I’ve just covered the middle bit with tape and it works fine.
Good, but can break quite easily with an over zealous cat. Easy to fit too. This is my second one in the last 10 years, and have just had this one over a year but an unwelcome Tom cat managed to get in when locked and broke it. Despite that I would still recommend as they are basic and good value and will be buying the same one again.
Arrived in two days from ordering. Ordered to replace existing cat flap that the cats broke trying to get when it was locked , note to self .. place something in front of flap next I want to keep them in. Anyway , was very easy to replace with a new one , all that was needed was a philips screw driver, took about 10 mins to do ( would have been more of a chore if I had to start from scratch and cut out a hole in the upvc panel, but even then, with the right tools can be DIY job.) Happy to recommend as a like for like replacement.
Don’t worry too much about the height it goes in. I had to put mine in twice as high as recommended due to the lower horizontal beam of the door and the cats have no problem with it at all.
A little bit tricky to turn the red lock around. I have to hold it on both sides (house door open) to do this, hence not full marks.
I needed an additional cat-flap for the interior door leading to the utility room which already has a microchip cat-flap leading outdoors. I spent some time searching Amazon for a white, cost effective simple cat-flap which had a ‘cat proof’ method of selecting the In-Out directions. This cat-flap ticks all the boxes including an inbuilt tunnel which easily fits the interior door. Sylvester accepted it very quickly so now we can keep the kitchen and utility room separated allowing him free movement.
Disclaimer: You could say this isn’t an amazingly robust cat flap as our cats destroy one of these each and every year.
They don’t just somehow detach the pieces, they literally BREAK them. This is because on occasion a bit of dirt might make it trickier for the flap to open, so, instead of being patient and pushing it a bit more, our cats decide it just doesn’t work and break through the frame. Yes, the frame. I didn’t think it was really logical OR possible until I caught them on the act. Initially they would break it when we would turn it to “locked” mode to stop them from going out for some reason. So now we don’t lock it.
HOWEVER: I cannot really blame the catflap for our cats going FULL-HULK on it. This is NOT a flimsy catplap, it takes me a good 15 minutes with 2 hands to open the frame. Seriously, there’s nothing really wrong with this flap, and at this price it’s a real bargain compared to many of the fancier ones.
Fantastic product. Used to have this at my Mum and Dads house and it was great. When I bought a house with my girlfriend and got a different one, I regretted it. We’ve moved again and are back to this, I’d never have a different one.
Nice and neat. Easily lockable if you need to keep the kitties out. Easy for them to get in and out. Quiet compared to our last cat flap. Sturdy.
Definitely buy this if you need a cat flap. One piece of advice, remove the keys from the back of your door you install this in and get a sash lock. We were burgled by thieves using a device to fish the keys from the other side and had both our cars stolen 🙁 you live and learn but please learn from my mistake.
had 2 catflaps fitted in wall , 1 on outside , 1 on inside and created a tunnel between this was 1999 my 2 previous cats used them until they both died in 2008. in 2010 got another cat and she used till the outside broke in 2012 i bought new one but only just fitted it also neede a 1 for inside , the original model no longer available so when i bought this it was a chance but fits perfect and my cat has been using it, except when she knows someone is around and would rather the door opened for her .pleased with the catflap so fa
The old one went to the big recycling plant in the sky after two cats tried to use it at once. (Don’t ask.) Despite it seeming to be a few very simple pieces of plastic, the odd screw and spring, and a couple of lengths of magnetized rubber there was no way to fix it but trying gave me an insight into how elegantly designed these things are. Happily replacement was a ten minute job apart form cutting down the ‘tunnel’ this model comes with to fit the thickness of the door.
Does what it is supposed to do – I didn’t have the hassle of cutting out the shape so it was really easy to fit. Only problem is that with the standard one you don’t get the “inside” bit so the cut edge of the door is visible. You will need to buy an 18mm tunnel extension if you get this model – I thought it would do as the door isn’t that thick but I needed the extra piece. Cat hates it. But then he always wants a human to open the door for him, so what did I expect.
Easy to fit if you have some power tools, I would say a drill and hand held jigsaw are a must. It’s a good sturdy lock so even the most brutish cat will have trouble barging their way through. The magnets are strong too so you don’t get the flippity flappity of the flap going crazy once the cat has gone through. That said, the strength of the magnets mean one of my cats will use it and one won’t as he is a bit of a softy. I can’t comment of draft as I use mine in an internal door.
It was delivered quickly with good packaging. Would definitely buy this again.
I bought one of these to replace an old catflap which was cracked and yellowed. This one is super-white and glossy so looks great. Very easy to put in the door (although I only had to replace old with new). One word of warning: There is a sticky label on the front, above the flap. I tried to peel it off but the horrible black backing sheet does NOT come off easily, which has left me picking off an ugly black square, bit by bit! Looks awful so I recommend leaving the label on unless you’ve got White Spirit to hand.
Excellent product. However, I made the mistake of thinking the tunnel would be a separate piece (as it is supplied in pieces to be fitted together), so that I could save that part for possible future use through installation in a wider wall/partition but the tunnel is moulded to the unit. So if you’re only fitting through a door’s thickness, purchase the version without the tunnel. Lesson learned – by the cat too – who negotiates the extra tunnel admirably.
This is a a really good quality product but I am concerned it is a little small for my Bengal. The description says for up to 7kg and he is 4.7kg so I though would be fine but it is a bit of a squeeze (although the benefit is that my dogs head can’t fit through it!)
We put this in a metal door and didn’t have a problem so it is easy to fit. Also the locking mechanism is stronger than on most cat flaps I have bought before – the bengal has just broken through locked ones before but he could not get through this one when locked!
I bought this to replace a disappointing Staywell 300. Even though it is basic this is a strong cat flap. Solid door which is secured almost on the bottom of the flap preventing it opening on one side if pushed. Easy to fit and operate. The magnet holding the flap shut is quite strong to start with and my cat took a while to get used to it but it is secure even when windy. The only thing I would improve is the frosted flap, previously I had one of these which had a clear flap and this enabled a timid cat to see what was outside before she ventured out. Otherwise a great flap at a great price.
I got the cat flap as my cat would wake me up every morning at 3am to be let out. She loves it; do not force the cat through and it does take a few days for them to try it out themselves. The instruction booklet gives you good tips on how to do this but one thing I would add is not to keep telling the cat to go through, they do it when you are not looking!
I have had other cats come through it though, but having watched a programme on cats, it seems that this is very common. You can lock them out but you need to make sure you’re not locking your own cat out too!
I purchased and fitted this type, which for me has a lot going for it.
I ignored the instructions and marked round the tunnel and cut the correct shape out of the door panel, I cut the excess off the tunnel which protruded though the outer flap cover by approximately 20mm, sealed all the joints with white silicone sealer, good weatherproof job.
I also like the fact there is a magnetic strip to hold the flap shut, but if this is too strong for your cat the strip on the flap can be gently removed if required, it is not too difficult to replace it again either.
The new design is really good – instead of a single magnetic closing-strip at the bottom, which never allowed the previous type to seal very well, this one has a magnetic strip that goes almost all the way around the curved edge of the single flap. Combined with the tunnel, it immediately reduced the draught when I fitted it (it was a very windy afternoon, so I could tell the difference).
Fitting was very easy – two screws and silicone sealer around all the joins. I did need to widen the existing hole in the door by about a quarter of an inch, though – easy with an electric jigsaw, but don’t assume that this will fit straight in the hole vacated by the previous model of Staywell catflap.
It is definitely an improvement over the old one in terms of reducing draught – I’d recommend replacing the old-style one for that reason alone.