Small–Medium breed

    Cat Flaps for a Domestic Shorthair

    The UK's most popular cat — perfect for a standard cat flap. A typical Domestic Shorthair weighs 3.5–5.5 kg. Fits every standard flap we install, in doors, windows or glass.

    Get a free quote for your Domestic Shorthair

    What size opening does a Domestic Shorthair need?

    A standard cat flap opening (around 165 × 171 mm) suits this breed.

    How to measure your Domestic Shorthair

    1. 1Measure the widest point of the chest just behind the front legs — that sets the opening width you need.
    2. 2Measure from the floor to the top of the shoulders for the opening height.
    3. 3Add about 20 mm to each measurement so there is no squeeze on the way through.
    4. 4Measure the rise from the floor to the belly — the bottom of the flap should sit just above that.

    Where we fit it: The bottom of the flap normally sits about 120–150 mm above floor level, so your cat walks through rather than jumps. In a door we keep the cut-out inside the flat panel, clear of the frame and any glazing bead.

    Not sure? Try the Will It Fit checker.

    Microchip compatibility for a Domestic Shorthair

    Every microchip flap we fit reads the standard 15-digit FDX-B chip used by UK vets and rescue centres, so your cat's existing chip works — no new chip and no collar tag needed. SureFlap models also read older 9 and 10-digit chips. If your cat isn't chipped, a collar-tag or manual flap is the alternative.

    Domestic Shorthair microchip tip

    Most UK shorthairs were chipped at the vet or rescue as kittens, so the number on the paperwork is all we need — no re-chipping.

    Got the chip number handy? Check it against every flap we fit.

    Getting a Domestic Shorthair used to the cat flap

    Prop the flap open for the first few days so your cat can see straight through, then let it down once they're using it happily. Treats on the far side and a calm house beat any amount of pushing.

    Fitting note: Fits every standard flap we install, in doors, windows or glass.

    Cat flaps we recommend for a Domestic Shorthair

    These are the models we fit most often for Domestic Shorthairs, in order of preference.

    Our top pick

    SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap

    Our default fit for average-sized cats — reliable chip reading and a 4-way manual lock.

    • Opening 165 × 171 mm, cut-out 212 × 212 mm
    • Reads all standard 15-digit FDX-B chips plus older 9 and 10-digit chips; stores up to 32 pets
    More about this model
    Option 2

    SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect

    App control and curfews from your phone — good for cats that wander.

    • Opening 165 × 171 mm, cut-out 212 × 212 mm
    • Reads all standard 15-digit FDX-B chips, with app curfews and in/out logging
    More about this model
    Option 3

    PetSafe Microchip Cat Flap

    A budget-friendly microchip option that suits small and slim cats.

    • Opening 142 × 120 mm, cut-out 168 × 170 mm
    • Reads 15-digit FDX-B chips and stores up to 40 pets
    More about this model

    Ready to give your Domestic Shorthair the run of the garden?

    We fit into uPVC, composite, wooden and aluminium doors, windows and new toughened glass panels.

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