Ferplast Swing 3 Pet Flap Review — Small Cat & Dog Door

Intro

I’m The Pet Dude, and I test and research pet gear so you don’t have to. The Ferplast Swing 3 is a compact, plastic pet flap that promises universal installation and a four-way locking system for controlled entry and exit. The listing calls it suitable for cats and small dogs, and it comes in a small size with a partial tunnel and magnetic closure. Below I break down the specs, how it behaves day to day, the installation pitfalls to watch, and who should consider this flap — and who should skip it.

What it is / first look

On first look the Ferplast Swing 3 is a no-frills, plastic swing door designed for cats and small dogs. The listing gives us clear product specs: Brand Ferplast, model number 72102021, item weight 0.45 kg, and material type listed simply as "Plastic." The door is sold as the SWING 3 model and the listing calls out a "partial tunnel" included with the flap and an optional extension tunnel sold separately for thicker doors or walls.

The listing provides the flap opening size and overall dimensions for the main small option: the flap opening measures "14.5 cm long x 14.8 cm high," and the listing also cites "Overall dimensions 21.5 x 5 x 24 cm." The small size entries in the specifications include several similar lines (for example: "S (22,5 x 5 x h. 25,2 cm.)" and "22.5 x 5 x 25.2 cm (Opening: 14.5 x 14.8 cm)"). The product comes in at least two colorways—Gray and Brown—so you can choose a finish that blends with your door or wall.

Key features listed by the manufacturer are the four-way closing system (exit only, entry only, exit and entry, full lock), a magnetic closure, universal installation ability on wood, glass, metal and masonry, and the partial tunnel that can be extended with an accessory for walls or doors thicker than the minimum compatible thickness listed by the manufacturer.

In daily use

I’m intentional about matching the flap’s listed specs to real-world situations, so here’s how the Swing 3 performs across common household use cases — based strictly on the listing facts and the research notes I reviewed.

Small cats

The listing positions the Swing 3 for cats and small dogs, and it lists the flap opening at "14.5 cm long x 14.8 cm high." That opening is the primary size constraint you’ll want to compare directly to your cat. Internal research notes include at least one report that the flap was "good for our Maine Coon" and "big enough," and another note where an owner specifically bought an M size because their long-haired cats were more volumonous. Those notes show the size can work for some larger or long-haired cats, but the listing itself labels the dog breed size as "Small," so measure your cat against the listed opening before committing.

Small dogs

The product listing explicitly lists "Dog Breed Size: Small" and "Pet Type: Cat, Dog." Use those tags to guide your choice: this flap is targeted at small dogs. If your dog is small enough to comfortably pass through an opening of "14.5 cm x 14.8 cm" you’ll likely be fine; if not, the listing suggests looking at larger models in the Swing range (the listing mentions Swing 11 or 15 for medium or large dogs). The listing also notes that the partial tunnel can be completed with an extension tunnel, sold separately, when installing on doors or walls thicker than the minimum compatible thickness called out in the specifications.

Doors, glass, and walls

The listing repeatedly emphasizes "universal installation" on wood, glass, metal and masonry walls. That flexibility is a strong selling point in the listing copy, but there are important installation caveats in the details and in the research notes. The listing warns: "Be careful when installing the door on tempered glass or double-glazed glass (the holes must be factory drilled)." Internal research notes drilled down into this: for double-glazed glass one note specifies that a round hole of 20.5 cm diameter must be drilled by a glazier, and another note discussed screw lengths and the need to choose the correct set of screws from two sets included in the package to fit the glass thickness. Bottom line—if you plan to fit this flap in glass or double-glazing, expect to coordinate with a glazier and confirm the glass is drilled to the correct specification listed by that fabricator.

Materials & build quality

The listing lists the flap material as "Plastic" and the frame material also as "Plastic." That’s a simple build specification. Internal research notes repeatedly call the flap "sturdy" and "of excellent quality" and one owner wrote that the flap remained intact "even after more years" of use. Another note said a carpenter installed it and it worked well. Those comments align with the listing’s claim that the product is a "sturdy plastic" flap.

Mechanically, the listing describes a four-way locking system (exit only, entry only, both ways, fully locked) and a magnetic closure. One of the research notes calls the magnetic swing stable and says that it does not open in wind — that’s the sort of mechanical behavior you want in a door exposed to drafts. The included partial tunnel is intended to bridge your thin doors or walls; for thicker walls you can buy a separate extension tunnel, per the listing.

Construction quirks flagged in the internal notes focus on installation hardware: two sets of screws are included and one note said one set was too short or too thin for certain double-glazed installations. That indicates you’ll want to inventory the screws and the hole dimensions before you tighten everything down.

Safety considerations

Safety is my top concern. Here are the relevant safety facts the listing and the research notes disclose.

• Locking options: The Swing 3 has a four-way closing system, explicitly listed as "exit only, entry only, exit and entry, full lock (your pet won’t be able to exit or enter)." That built-in lock gives precise control and can prevent escape when needed.
• Magnetic closure: The listing names "Closure Type: Magnetic." Internal notes say the magnetic system is effective and that the flap does not swing open in wind. Magnetic closures help keep the flap stable but check fit for nervous cats who may be startled by the pull-back.
• Installation on glass and double-glazing: The listing warns to be careful when installing on tempered glass or double-glazed glass and that "the holes must be factory drilled." Internal notes expand on that: double-glazed installations may require a glazier to drill a specified diameter hole and careful attention to screw length. Improper drilling or wrong screw length creates an installation hazard and can damage the glass, so treat glass installations as a job for a professional.
• Size and entrapment risk: The listing provides the flap opening size ("14.5 cm long x 14.8 cm high"). Match that opening to your pet’s measurements before purchase. The listing labels the product for "Cats, Dogs" and "Dog Breed Size: Small." If your pet is larger than the opening listed, the listing suggests choosing a larger Swing model.
• Noise: Internal research notes include a strong complaint that the flap makes an "insupportable" (very loud) noise each time an animal goes through it. Noise is not a toxic or physical safety hazard, but very noisy flaps can startle pets (especially skittish cats), potentially triggering avoidance or stress. Consider that noise note carefully for doors in bedrooms, nurseries, or quiet living areas.

If you have specific safety questions about your pet’s mobility or medical conditions, the listing doesn’t specify medical guidance — consult a qualified professional.

Who this is for / who should skip

I try to be explicit about fit and use case, so you can decide quickly if this model suits your household.

Who this is for

• Owners of indoor/outdoor cats or small dog breeds who need a compact, four-way locking flap: the listing lists the flap as suitable for "Cats, Dogs" and "Dog Breed Size: Small."
• Homes that need a simple mechanical solution without smart-home features: the listing explicitly lists "Smart Home Compatibility: Not Smart Home Compatible."
• People who want multiple locking modes and a magnetic closure for wind resistance: the listing lists the "four-way closing system" and "Closure Type: Magnetic."
• Buyers who want a choice in finish: the product is available in at least two colors—Gray and Brown—so you can pick a look that blends with your door or wall.

Who should skip or look at other models

• Owners of medium or large dogs — the listing notes other models for larger dogs (Swing 11 or 15) and lists this unit with "Dog Breed Size: Small." Choose a larger Swing model if your pet is bigger than the opening listed.
• Anyone planning to install in tempered or double-glazed glass without professional help — the listing warns that holes for tempered/double-glazed glass must be factory drilled, and internal notes show drilling and screw-length issues can complicate installation.
• Homes where silent operation is essential — internal notes include a complaint that the flap can make very loud noise when an animal passes through; if noise is a dealbreaker, test a floor or sample in person if possible.

Verdict

I like the Ferplast Swing 3 for what the listing presents it to be: a compact, sturdy plastic pet flap with a reliable four-way lock and magnetic closure, aimed at cats and small dogs. The product listing gives hard specs you can measure against your pet — flap opening ("14.5 cm long x 14.8 cm high"), overall dimensions ("21.5 x 5 x 24 cm"), weight ("0.45 kg"), and the fact that it’s made of plastic. It’s not a smart door, and the partial tunnel included is intended for thinner doors or walls; the listing points owners to a separately sold extension for thicker installations.

On the plus side, internal research notes repeatedly describe the flap as "stabile" and "di ottima qualità" (stable and of excellent quality), and one owner wrote it held up "even after more years." These are good signals of durability when paired with the simple plastic construction listed by the manufacturer. The four-way lock and magnetic closure are straightforward mechanical features that give you control and resistance to drafts.

On the downside, don’t underestimate installation complexity if you’re fitting glass or double-glazing. The listing explicitly warns that holes must be factory drilled for tempered/double-glazed glass, and internal notes show a real-world need for coordination with a glazier and attention to the screw sets that come in the package. Another negative flagged in the internal notes is noise: a few owners called the flap "insupportably loud" when animals pass, which can be a major nuisance in quiet houses or for skittish pets.

Overall: good fit for small pets and owners who want a mechanical, non-smart solution and are comfortable handling or paying for a professional installation on glass. If your priority is silent operation or you have a medium/large dog, look at Ferplast’s larger Swing models or quieter alternatives.

Check before you buy — quick checklist

• Measure your pet against the listed flap opening: "14.5 cm long x 14.8 cm high."
• Confirm the exact size option you’re ordering—the listing includes sizes marked S and M and multiple dimension lines like "S (22,5 x 5 x h. 25,2 cm.)" and "22.5 x 5 x 25.2 cm (Opening: 14.5 x 14.8 cm)."
• If installing in glass or double-glazing, plan for a professional: the listing warns "the holes must be factory drilled."
• Expect a magnetic closure and four-way locking; check the unit’s behavior for loudness if noise is a concern (internal notes report notably loud operation).
• Decide on color: available colors include Gray and Brown. Choose the finish that matches your door or wall.

Available colors

• Gray
• Brown

Those are the color options the listing provides; pick the finish that fits your door or decor.

If you want one-line guidance: the Ferplast Swing 3 is a sturdy, compact four-way plastic flap that fits many small cats and dogs and installs on multiple materials — but adjust expectations around installation on glass and watch for potentially loud operation.

FAQ

Below are short answers to common buyer questions based only on the listing and the research notes available.

1. Q: Will this flap fit my cat or small dog?
   A: Use the listed flap opening to check fit: the listing specifies an opening of "14.5 cm long x 14.8 cm high" and lists the product for "Cats, Dogs" with "Dog Breed Size: Small." If your pet’s body size comfortably fits those dimensions, this model may work; if not, the listing points to larger Swing models for medium or large dogs.
2. Q: Can I install the Swing 3 in double-glazed or tempered glass myself?
   A: The listing warns explicitly to "be careful when installing the door on tempered glass or double-glazed glass (the holes must be factory drilled)." Internal research notes also reference the need for a glazier and specific hole diameter for double-glazed glass. Plan to involve a professional for glass installations.
3. Q: Is the flap weatherproof and will it blow open in wind?
   A: The listing notes a "magnetic" closure type, and internal research notes describe the magnetic system as preventing the flap from opening in wind. The magnetic closure and four-way locking should help keep the flap stable in drafts.
4. Q: Does the Swing 3 include an extension tunnel for thick walls?
   A: The listing states that the Swing 3 is supplied with a partial tunnel and that a separate, trimmable extension tunnel is available for doors or walls thicker than 5 cm; that extension is sold separately.
5. Q: How noisy is the flap when pets pass through?
   A: Internal research notes include a clear complaint that the flap can make an "insupportable" (very loud) noise each time an animal uses it. The listing does not quantify sound level, so if silent operation is important, consider testing a unit in person or preparing for the possibility of noticeable noise.
6. Q: What sizes and colors are available?
   A: The listing shows available sizes including entries labeled S and M and multiple dimension lines (for example "S (22,5 x 5 x h. 25,2 cm.)" and "22.5 x 5 x 25.2 cm (Opening: 14.5 x 14.8 cm)"). Colors listed are Gray and Brown.
7. Q: Is this a smart pet door with app control?
   A: The listing states "Smart Home Compatibility: Not Smart Home Compatible," so this is a mechanical, non-smart flap.
8. Q: How durable is it over time?
   A: The listing calls the flap "sturdy plastic," and internal research notes include reports that the door "held up" over several years in at least one case and was described as "of excellent quality" by other owners. The listing does not provide a warranty period.