4-way pet flaps offer basic functionality with four locking options: fully open, fully closed, in only, and out only. They are a cost-effective choice for pet owners who need flexibility without advanced technology.
Push style pet flaps are basic but effective, allowing pets to push the flap open to enter or exit. They are a durable and straightforward option for pet access control.
Features
- Locking Options: Manual settings to control pet access.
- Affordability: Cheaper than tech-enhanced flaps.
- Ease of Use: Simple push mechanism.
- Durability: Built to last, often with robust materials.
- Suitability: Ideal for door installations, less so for walls or glass.
These are the more basic style of pet flap than a microchip flap as they do not restrict entry to any animal who wants to use the flap. As there is no technology to contend with, they do tend to be cheaper than pet flaps with technology – although there are exceptions to this which we will explore in more detail in a bit.
4-way pet flaps offer 4 different locking functions – Fully Open, Fully Closed, Out only and In Only.
This is usually set by manually using a dial or lever on the front of the pet flap and allows the owner to restrict the comings and goings of their pet (as much as you can do!). It does require you to actually go to the flap to lock it but is a good cost-effective option if the cost of a microchip flap is out of budget.
Recommended Brands
- Closer Pets Rotary Cat Flap: Durable with multiple colour options.
- PetSafe Extreme Weather Pet Door: Thermally efficient with a unique 3-flap construction.
- Pet-Tek complete range: High-quality, clear-framed pet doors for glass installations.
- Closer Pets Dog Doors: Budget-friendly, available in larger sizes.
- Tomsgates: Handmade wooden pet flaps, aesthetically pleasing, and suitable for large dogs.
Sizes vary according to manufacturer so please do check with us to make sure that there is one suitable for your pet. We can help advise according to your requirements if you are not sure. You need to make the ultimate decision regarding the pet flap to be installed as you know your pet best. If there is ever a concern regarding size, we always recommend that you choose the largest one suitable for your pet to allow for growth (if not fully grown) and also to future proof the installation in case of middle age spread or old age!
We really like the Closer Pets Rotary cat flap as it is exceptionally durable and comes in 4 colours – white, brown, grey and even black. For glass installations it uses the 361 kit (in white or grey) and walls the 308W tunnel extensions (only in white).
Closer Pets also have great dog doors for those on a budget. The larger sizes are push style and use a locking panel to lock the dog door to prevent the dog from being able to use the dog door whereas the small dog size is a 4-way locking mechanism with no locking plate. These dog doors are available in white and brown and are suitable for door installations only.
If you are conscious of needing a thermally efficient pet flap to prevent draughts, then consider a PetSafe Extreme Weather Pet Door or a PetSafe Aluminium Extreme Weather Pet Door. These have a unique 3-flap construction which has a fully insulated central flap with a flexible flap either side which have a magnetic seal to help prevent cold and draught from coming in. These pet doors are only suitable for installation in doors or panels as there are no accessories for installation in glass or walls.
The PetSafe Extreme Weather Pet Door has a durable plastic frame and is suitable for installations in doors 4.1-5.7cm thick. Provided with a locking panel to secure the pet door when you do not want it used. Available for door installations only in Small, Medium, and Large – meaning that it is suitable for cats as well as dogs if you have a multi-pet household.
The PetSafe Extreme Weather Aluminium Pet Door has a reinforced metal frame and is suitable for doors 3.75-5cm thick. If you need installation in a door with a depth of less than 3.75cm (such as into a flat panel uPVC door) an adaptor kit will be required. Provided with a locking panel to secure the dog door when you do not want it used. Available for door installations only in Medium, Large and Extra Large.
Pet-Tek manufacture a range of high-quality, long-lasting pet flaps. These Pet Doors are available for all door types, including glass, wood, composite, uPVC, and metal, and come in a variety of sizes and colours.
Pet-Tek offer the only decent quality clear-framed pet doors in the UK, offering a clear, minimal, all-glass look for your beautiful bi-fold, sliding, patio or glass doors. These purpose made glass fitting pet flaps have an in-built adaptor meaning that the flap can easily fit in the manufactured hole without needing an adaptor to facilitate the installation.
These doors are of the highest calibre and do not have any of the typical pet door problems, such as broken flaps, rusted screws, or locking dials.
Tomsgates are an investment brand. These are beautiful handmade wooden pet flaps and are the only solution for the installation of an Extra-Large Dog Door into a glass door or window.
These aesthetically pleasing pet flaps look more like wooden vents than a traditional cat flap or dog door and can be painted to match the décor of your home to seamlessly blend in and look amazing.
Tomsgates pet flaps have a flexible flap held in place with a series of adjustable magnets. This allows the lower sections in a larger pet door to be adjusted for cats whilst a larger dog can use the rest of the flap. Therefore, these pet flaps are perfect for multi-pet homes.
Tomsgates pet doors can also be installed into walls and doors as they have assorted options available to span various depths of wall and doors. We can advise on the most suitable for your requirement. You can also utilise the breed selection tool on the manufacturers website to help advise on the most suitable size for your dog if you are not sure.
To secure these pet flaps there is a 2 cm thick closing door/locking plate complete with steel locks, making them inconspicuous and safe.
Available in five sizes to suit the smallest of cats to very large dogs – rather than the sizes being small, medium large etc they are Felix, Nipper, Jake, Bouncer and Beethoven named after well-known pets in history or TV characters.
They can come in a choice of 2 woods (Rubberwood or Oak) and 3 finishes (White Oil, Grey Oil or a Natural finish) there is bound to be a winning colour combination for you to select for your installation.
PlexiDor are another brand that is worth the investment. These highly secure pet doors feature two flaps that open at the side like saloon doors rather than hinged above the animal (except the small size which has one side opening flap). The larger PlexiDor pet doors have a steel security locking plate which is secured via a cylinder lock and keys (with the exception of the small size which does not have a locking panel).
PlexiDor pet doors have been engineered and manufactured to be energy efficient, quiet, extremely secure, safe, and long lasting. The flap is made to be rigid, high impact and shatter resistant which are insulted and lightly. The see through flap creates a window for your pet and lets in light in contrast with the heavy duty hardened aluminium frame which will not rust, warp, crack or bend.
Ideal for wall and door installations as they have a wall series with an elongated tunnel and a door series with all sizes available in Silver, Bronze and White.
4-way pet flaps are a practical choice for pet owners looking for a balance of functionality and affordability. They are suitable for both cats and dogs.
Push style pet flaps are a no-fuss, durable option for pet owners. They provide reliable access control without the need for advanced technology.
