If you’ve built or are planning a catio (cat patio), chances are you’re already deeply invested in giving your feline friend the best of both worlds—access to the great outdoors with all the safety and comfort of home. One of the most functional and often overlooked additions to a well-designed catio is the cat flap. Whether you’re connecting your house to your catio or giving your cat even more room to roam with a flap to a garden run, this simple portal can be a game-changer.
House to Catio: Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Access
One of the most common cat flap setups is the one that connects the interior of your house to the catio. It allows your cat to come and go as they please, giving them autonomy and reducing the number of times you have to play doorman.
This setup is particularly ideal if you have a window or wall-mounted catio directly adjacent to your house. Installing a cat flap into a door or a specially cut section of wall means your cat can enjoy the outdoors at their leisure—even if you’re out or busy.
When selecting a flap, consider insulation and weather-proofing. Look for models that have a seal to block drafts or rain from creeping in. If you’re dealing with cold winters or hot summers, this added insulation makes a big difference for your comfort and your energy bills.
Catio to Garden or Outdoor Run: Expanding Their Territory
Many cat lovers go a step further by adding a second cat flap from the catio itself into a garden run or additional enclosure. This layered approach not only provides your cat with more mental and physical stimulation but also mimics the kind of territory exploration they naturally crave.
This kind of setup is great for larger properties or when you want to give your cat access to grass, trees, or different textures under their paws—all within a secure environment. When placing this second flap, be sure it’s well integrated into the catio structure to prevent drafts or escapes. If you live in an area with predators or have multiple cats with different needs, a locking mechanism on this flap can be extremely helpful (more on that next).
Auto-Locking Cat Flaps: Technology for Peace of Mind
Auto-locking or microchip cat flaps are becoming increasingly popular for catios, and with good reason. These flaps can be programmed to recognize your cat’s microchip or collar tag and only allow access to approved cats. This prevents neighborhood cats, raccoons, or other unwanted visitors from gaining access.
Auto-locking flaps can also be set to lock and unlock at certain times. This is perfect for enforcing “bedtime” or restricting access at night when you want to keep your cat safely indoors. Some even have app integration, so you can monitor comings and goings remotely.
If your cat is new to using a flap, be patient—some take to it instantly, others might need a few training sessions. Try propping the flap open for the first few days and using treats or toys to encourage exploration.
Bedtime and Curfews: Setting Healthy Routines
A cat flap shouldn’t mean your cat has 24/7 access to the outdoors. Many cat owners prefer to establish curfews to keep their cats indoors overnight, when potential dangers like predators or cold weather are more of a concern.
With a programmable cat flap, you can automate your cat’s bedtime routine. For example, you can set the flap to lock at dusk and unlock again at dawn. This gives your cat a natural day/night cycle and peace of mind for you.
If you don’t have a smart flap, a manual locking flap works just as well—though you’ll need to be consistent with closing it every night. Some owners also add a motion-sensor light near the flap or catio entrance to discourage nighttime prowlers and make your cat feel safer.
Final Thoughts
A cat flap might seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of your catio design, but it’s one of the most impactful features you can add. Whether it connects your catio to your house or to an extended garden run, it enhances your cat’s independence and adds flexibility to your daily routine.
With the right flap—especially an auto-locking or programmable one—you can offer your cat freedom while still maintaining control and safety. Plus, watching your kitty strut through their own private portal like the ruler of their realm never gets old.