Multi-Magnetic Cat Doors Explained — Battery-Free Selective Entry for Your Cat
A multi-magnetic cat door is the simplest, most reliable way to give your cat free access to your home while keeping every other animal out. No batteries. No programming. No electronics to fail. Just a mechanical collar magnet system that works the same way on day one as it does five years later. This guide explains exactly how it works, who it's for, and which Catwalk® models are available. For a broader comparison of all cat flap types, see our cat flap advice guide.
- The multi-magnetic system is entirely battery-free and mechanical — the collar key physically releases a lock, so the flap cannot be forced open by any animal without it.
- Available in glass fitting (G-MCDW, 3–26mm) and wood fitting (W-MCDW/W-MCDB, 11–52mm) — suits nearly all door and panel types.
- Multiple collar keys supported — all your cats get access while every other animal is excluded. Spare keys available directly from Pet-Tek.
What Is a Multi-Magnetic Cat Door?
A multi-magnetic cat door uses a set of magnets embedded in the door frame and a matching collar key worn by your cat. When your cat approaches, the collar magnet interacts with the door's magnetic locking mechanism and releases the flap — allowing free passage. Without the correct collar key, the flap stays locked. No animal without the key can open it, regardless of how hard they push.
Unlike microchip or infrared electronic cat doors, the multi-magnetic system requires no battery, no power source, no programming, and no app. It is entirely mechanical — and entirely passive. Your cat simply wears the collar key and the door works automatically, every time. The Cats Protection UK recommends selective entry cat flaps as one of the most effective ways to reduce territorial stress caused by neighbouring cats entering your home.
How It Works — Step by Step
Any cat without the correct collar key simply cannot open the door. The magnetic lock holds the flap shut regardless of the force applied — it is not a deterrent, it is a physical lock.
Who Is It For?
The multi-magnetic cat door is the right choice if any of the following apply to you:
- Neighbourhood cats are entering through your standard cat flap and eating your cat's food
- An intruding cat is spraying inside your home or bullying your cat
- Possums, hedgehogs, rabbits or other wildlife are getting in through your cat door
- You want selective entry without batteries, electronics, or programming
- You have multiple cats and want all of them to have access while excluding others
- You want a long-term, maintenance-free solution that will never need charging or replacing
Real customer result: "It has stopped the neighbours cat coming into our house and eating our cat's food and spraying everywhere. I have heard a thud when the other cat has tried to enter but it has been over a week now and there is no sign of the other cat. It has worked exactly how I had wished." — Pet-Tek customer, New Zealand
Multi-Magnetic vs Other Selective Entry Options
| Feature | Multi-Magnetic | Microchip Electronic | Infrared / RFID |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery required | ✓ No — battery free | ✗ Yes | ✗ Yes |
| Programming required | ✓ No — purely mechanical | ✗ Yes | ✗ Yes |
| Collar required | ✗ Yes — collar key | ✓ No — uses microchip | ✗ Yes — RFID tag |
| Works 24/7 automatically | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Multiple cats supported | ✓ Yes — one key per cat | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Electronic failure risk | ✓ None — no electronics | ✗ Yes | ✗ Yes |
| Glass fitting available | ✓ Yes | ✗ Rarely | ✗ Rarely |
The Catwalk® Multi-Magnetic Range
Pet-Tek's Catwalk® Multi-Magnetic range is available in both glass fitting and wood fitting versions — so regardless of whether your cat door is in a glass panel or a timber door, there is a model available.
| Model | Type | Panel Thickness | Colour | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G-MCDW | Glass fitting | 3mm–26mm | White | Glass panels, sliding doors, double glazing |
| W-MCDW | Wood fitting | 11mm–52mm | White | Timber, PVC, composite doors |
| W-MCDB | Wood fitting | 11mm–52mm | Brown | Timber, PVC, composite doors |
All models include the same Bayer Makrolon® polycarbonate flap, brush seals, magnetic closure and 4-way manual lock as the standard Catwalk® range — with the addition of the multi-magnetic selective entry system.
The Collar Key — What Your Cat Wears
The collar key is a small, lightweight magnet that clips onto your cat's existing collar. Most cats adapt to wearing it immediately — it adds virtually no weight and requires no adjustment to their routine.
- Lightweight — negligible weight addition to collar
- Clips securely to any standard cat collar
- Multiple keys available — one per cat for multi-cat households
- Replacement keys available directly from Pet-Tek as spare parts
- No charging, no programming, no maintenance
Installation — Glass Fitting and Wood Fitting
Installation of the multi-magnetic models follows the same process as the standard Catwalk® range. For glass fitting, a glazier uses a core drill to cut the round hole — Pet-Tek's round cut-out profile makes this faster and cleaner than any rectangular alternative. For wood fitting, installation can be carried out by a competent DIYer.
For full step-by-step installation instructions see our pet door installation guide. For glass-specific guidance including double glazing compatibility, see our best glass fitting cat doors guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stop unwanted cats for good — battery free
The Catwalk® Multi-Magnetic cat door is the permanent, maintenance-free solution. Available in glass fitting and wood fitting for all door types.
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