Last updated on January 28th, 2022
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Pets are like family and, therefore, it is important to protect them but also give them their freedom. Cat flaps are a great way to let your pet have easy access to your home anytime. The problem comes in when you have stray cats coming into your home, and this is where microchip cat flaps come to the rescue.
Microchip cat flaps allow only your pets to go out or come into your home. They come with features like time control that permits your pet to be in or out of the house at a certain time. Finding the best microchip cat flap for your pets will not only help you keep track of them but also keep stray cats at bay. Below are some dependable microchip cat flaps that are sure to get the work done. Let’s kick off by looking at our best pick and runner-up models before moving on to the buying guide and product reviews.
BEST PICK
Runner-up
Why buy a microchip cat flap?
The humble cat flap has long been a favourite of the cat owner because it offers an excellent way for your beloved feline friends to enter and leave your home whenever they want.
But there is a problem with the standard cat flap designs, they also give access to other small wild animals and other local cats and this has been a problem for many cat owners as they enter your home, often during the night.
Next came lockable cat flaps, but these, although a great improvement, was very limited and could only be set to open and fully lock, on top of this they can still let other cats in, depending on the setting.
Then came magnetic cat flaps, a big improvement on older models, they work by using a magnetic key that is fitted to the collar. This magnetic key triggers the cat flap to open only to your cat, but they have obvious potential problems, such as the collar getting trapped and falling off while your cats are out and about, to put it simply, they have proved to be a little unreliable.
In short, the new range of microchip cat flaps is simply the best option and if you buy a quality model, manufactured by a trusted brand such as Sureflap or Petsafe, then the only regret you will have is that you did not buy one sooner.
After doing countless hours of intensive research which included reading hundreds of user reviews on Amazon, other websites and forums, as well as speaking to owners who have purchased them, we have compared them all to highlight the Top 7 Microchip cats flaps.
Benefits of using a microchip cat flap
Microchip cat flaps are more expensive than most other types of cat flaps, with prices starting at just over £50 for a good model. However, they do offer many extra features such as timers, vet mode, night mode, selective entry and exit plus many more. These features were simply not possible with older basic cat flap designs.
The most obvious advantage is that only your own cat can pass through the cat flap, which means no more stray cats or other small wild animals paying a visit to your home.
They are easy to fit and can be installed in walls, doors and even glass, although we would highly recommend getting a glacier fitter to install the cat flap onto a glass door.
Top 7 Microchip Cat Flap Reviews
1. Sureflap Microchip Cat Flap
BEST PICK
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After careful consideration and hours of research, we have named the “Sureflap Microchip Cat Flap” as our Best Pick cat flap. This was not an easy decision to make because all of the microchip cat flaps on our list are excellent cat flaps and they all have their own pros and cons depending on what you need from a cat flap.
So why would we recommend this model over all the others available? We feel that the Sureflap microchip cat flap has all the features that most cat owners would prefer.
It is the best-selling cat flap on Amazon.co.uk with over 10,000 customer user reviews, the majority of which are very positive. In fact, the reviews are so good, that it has a user star rating of 4.6 out of 5, which is the best star rating of any microchip cat flaps available at the moment.
Pros
- Sleek modern design, very well made and easy to program with the simple click of a button and easy to install and fit.
- It has all the features you would expect from a quality cat flap including a 4-way manual lock for controlled entry and exit, this means you can set the cat flap to In only, Out only, both ways and fully locked.
- You can program up to 32 cats into the cat flap’s memory.
- Will work with nearly all microchips worldwide, which include 9, 10, 15 digit microchips and RFID Tags. We recommend scanning your cat before installing the cat flap just in case it’s not comparable.
- Powered by 4 x AA batteries, this means it can be fitted anywhere without the need for mains power. It also has a low battery indicator light to alert you when the battery is low. Batteries last around 12 months under normal use.
- Comes with 3 years warranty for your peace of mind.
- Customer service, they have an exceptional and very helpful customer service that is just a call away. They will do everything possible to resolve any problems, many reviews on Amazon.co.uk comment on how good the customer service at Sureflap is and how they always resolve any problems you might have.
Cons
There are a few features that the Sureflap microchip cat flap does not have.
- Selective Exit – This feature is great if you have more than one cat and one cat is not allowed to go outside. This could be simply because one of your cats is going to the vets or is permanently not allowed outside. Whatever the reason, this feature is a must to overcome this problem. If you need this excellent feature then ‘Sureflap’ do have a similar model (SureFap DualScan Microchip Cat Flap) that does have this extra feature and this is the only model that actually has this feature fitted.
- This model does not have “Timer Control”, this is great if you want to stop your cat going outside between certain hours of the day, for example, when it is dark.
The only other negative point is that if you have a larger than average cat, it may not fit through the cat flap easily or at all. Some cat owners who have had cats around the 6.5kg mark have commented on this problem. Luckily Sureflap does have another larger model (SureFlap Pet Door) that has a larger opening of 178 x 170mm and has been designed with this in mind. This model does also have the timer control feature.
Our recommendation
When you purchase this model, you get excellent value for money, especially when compared to other similar models we have looked at. With SureFlap, you get a quality product you can trust. It comes with 3 years warranty and from the hundreds of reviews, we have looked through during our research, it’s very clear that Sureflap has an excellent customer service team, that will ensure you are happy and have everything working perfectly.
If you buy this model, you won’t be disappointed. This cat flap is also available in brown for those where white would not be suitable for your door.
2. SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect with Hub – DualScan, WiFi link and App Controlled
RUNNER UP
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Considered the most advanced cat flap on the market, the SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect will help you keep an eye on your pets. The microchip cat flap can program up to 32 animals, making it perfect if you have a number of animals to take care of. When you program your pets in, the cat flap is connected to the Sure Petcare application through WiFi. You will be able to get notifications when your pet is in the house or out of the house.
Furthermore, you are able to lock or unlock the cat flap at your convenience setting curfews for your animals. If stray animals try and get through the door, you will receive intruder alerts. All the data collected assists the owner in monitoring their animals and helps them notice behavioural changes.
The microchip cat flap is compatible with most of the identification microchips used in the world. The cat flap has a passage for the animals that measures 14.2 x 12cm which is adequately sized for small animals. You need 4 X AA batteries to power the cat flap, however, they are not supplied.
Pros
- Able to programme up to 32 animals giving the user a safe way to monitor their animals.
- You can lock or unlock the flap remotely setting when you want your pets in or out of the house.
- The data collected helps owners keep track of the animal’s behaviours and movements.
- It sends notifications to alert the user of stray animals trying to pass through.
- Compatible with common identification microchips sold on the market.
- It is easy to set up and it is quiet and therefore, will not cause a disturbance every time the animal leaves or arrives.
Cons
- One cannot set individual curfew times for different animals.
- Comfortably accommodates small-medium sized cats. Larger cats/animals need more space.
Our recommendation
Although a bit pricey, this product affords you time control and remote control functions through the application installed. When you purchase this cat flap you can be sure that your animals will only have access to the outdoors when you choose to. The flap is easy to install and you can control many pets with it.
3. PetSafe Microchip Cat Flap
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The newest version of the PetSafe Microchip Cat Flap is finally on the market. It comes with upgraded microchip technology that allows the user to program up to 40 cats. The microchip cat flap also comes with magnetic lock points and a draught excluder. This feature sees to it that the flap remains securely closed and energy-efficient.
The cat flap has a 4-way manual lock that helps keep other stray animals from entering your home. It needs 4 AA alkaline batteries to run smoothly for about 12 months before requiring another battery change. With its low battery indicator, it will be easy for you to know when you need to replace the batteries.
This plastic-made cat flap is adaptable to cut out sizes to accommodate Petporte and Staywell cat flaps. There is an installation guide provided that you will refer to to accomplish this. Accompanied by a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, you can be sure you get value for money. Remember to confirm if your chip is compatible with the product by confirming with the product’s website.
Pros
- It offers 4-way manual lock and magnetic locking points to keep stray animals from coming into your house.
- Energy-efficient thanks to features like the draught flap that protects your home from unwanted cold winds.
- The model is adaptable to be used with other cat flap products like Staywell.
- It comes with a 3- year warranty that guarantees you of a durable product.
- Able to program up to 40 pets, a lot more than the competition.
- It is sold at an affordable price, thus easily attainable.
Cons
- May be a tight squeeze for bigger cats.
- Could be a little loud when the cat comes in or out of the house.
Our recommendation
If you have a large number of pets to take care of, this model would be of great service. It is affordable and it is accompanied by a 3- year warranty, which goes to show that the cat flap is durable and can be reliable. Additionally, it is protected against the elements so the environment inside the house remains undisturbed. It may have a few flaws but nonetheless, you get a good bang for the buck.
4. Sureflap Dualscan Microchip Cat Flap
THE ONLY MODEL WITH ‘SELECTIVE EXIT’
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The SureFlap Dual scan microchip cat flap is a slightly more advanced version of our ‘Best Pick’, the SureFap Microchip Cat Flap.
The ‘Dual Scan Technology’, is what makes this model slightly more advanced than the standard model. With the dual scan feature, you can program the cat flap to only let certain cats out.
This means if you have more than one cat, but you have one or more cats that are not allowed outdoors, you can now keep those cats in but still let other cats exit as they wish.
This feature is also useful if you need to keep one of your cats indoors for vets appointments etc. With the standard microchip cat flaps, this would only be possible by using the manual lock by setting it to entry only so that it’s locked for an exit and the problem with this is that no cats would be able to go out whilst this setting was turned on.
Pros
- Selective Exit – This feature is great if you have more than one cat and one cat is not allowed to go outside. This could be simply be because one of your cats is going to the vets or is permanently not allowed out. If you do not need this feature then our ‘Best Pick’, would be a better choice and would save you around £10 as it is a little cheaper to buy.
- Sleek modern design, durable quality plastic, easy to program with the simple click of a button and easy to install with lots of extras such as tunnel attachments to ensure it fits all types of doors.
- 4-way manual lock for controlled entry and exit, this means you can set the cat flap to ‘In only’, ‘out only;’ ‘both ways’ and ‘fully locked’.
- If you have more than one cat, no problem. You can program up to 32 cats into the cat flap’s memory.
- Will work with nearly all microchips worldwide, these include 9, 10, 15 digit microchips and RFID Tags that can be purchased separately.
- Powered by 4 x AA batteries so can be fixed anywhere without the need for mains power. It also features a low battery indicator light to alert you when the battery is low. Batteries last around 12 months under normal use.
- Comes with 3 years warranty for peace of mind
- Customer service, they have an exceptional and very helpful customer service that is just a call away.
Cons
There are a few features that the Sureflap Dualscan microchip cat flap does not have.
- This model does not have “Timer Control”, this is great if you want to stop your cat going outside between certain hours of the day, like when it is dark.
- The only other negative point is that if you have a larger than average-sized cat, it may not fit through the cat flap easily or at all. Some cat owners who have had cats around 6.5kg mark have commented on this problem. Luckily Sureflap does have another larger model (SureFlap Pet Door) that has a larger opening of 178 x 170mm, which is designed with this in mind and it also has the timer control.
Our recommendation
This Dual Scan model is another highly rated microchip cat flap. If you have more than one cat and need to keep some indoors whilst letting other cats out, then this is a great feature that makes this possible.
This cat flap is the only model which has dual scan capabilities, this makes it a little unique and may not be suitable for everybody, especially if you only have one cat.
However, if this extra feature is something you’re looking for, then this microchip cat flap would be worth considering.
5. PetSafe PetPorte Smart Flap
INCLUDES NIGHT MODE AND VET MODE
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The ‘PetSafe Petporte Smart Flap’ is a more advanced microchip cat flap with all the basic features that you would expect and more. It’s designed to give your cats easy access to the outdoors, without letting other strange cats enter your home.
This cat flap can be wall-mounted or door mounted and can be fitted to any standard door, whether it be wooden or PVC, even metal and glass doors. It can also be fitted to brick walls.
This model is compatible with UK and EU standard 15-digit microchips, unlike most other cat flaps.
This model is the only mains-powered cat flap available, however, it also has a 9v back up battery to ensure it still works should there be no mains power for any reason.
It has a 4-way manual lock for controlled entry and exit, and you can program up to 25 pets into the cat flap at the push of a button. Because this model is mains powered, this enables it to constantly scan, which allows authorised cats immediate entry.
It also has timer control and this means you can set the time your cat can use the cat flap and go outside and keep it indoors during certain times.
Two other features, only found on this model are ‘vet mode’, this setting simply only allows cats to enter the home and not exit, which is particularly handy when you have a vet’s appointment.
The other very useful setting is ‘Night Mode’ and this model has a light sensor that activates ‘in only’ at dusk when it goes dark. At dawn, it automatically allows free exit so your cats are free to go out in the morning. This reduces the risks of your cat becoming involved in road traffic accidents at night and helps keep them safe.
Pros
- Modern design with a clear door that most cats prefer.
- 4-way manual lock for controlled entry and exit, this means you can set the cat flap to ‘In only’, ‘out only;’ ‘both ways’ and ‘fully locked’.
- If you have many cats, no problem. You can program up to 25 cats into the cat flaps memory.
- Compatible with all UK and EU standard 15-digit microchips and RFID Tags.
- Timer Control – This is great if you want to stop your cat going outside between certain hours of the day such as when it is dark.
- Mains powered with 9v battery back up in case of a power cut.
- Comes with 3 years warranty.
Cons
There are a few features that this microchip cat flap does not have which some cat owners may need.
- If you have a larger than average-sized cat, it may not fit through the cat flap easily or at all. Some cat owners (who have had cats around 6.5kg mark) have commented on this problem. Luckily Sureflap does have another larger model (SureFlap Pet Door) which has a larger opening of 178 x 170mm and has been designed with this in mind, it also has timer control.
- This model does not have a selective exit, this feature is great if you have more than one cat and one cat is not allowed to go outside. This could be simply because one of your cats is going to the vets or is permanently not allowed out. Whatever the reason this feature is must to overcome this problem.
Our recommendation
The two features we really like on the ‘PetSafe Petporte Smart Flap’ are the ‘night mode’ setting and ‘vet mode’. Both are very useful, especially the night mode because this is when a lot of accidents happen with cats, so being able to keep them indoors after dark is ideal.
As this model does have timer control, the night mode might not be essential for everyone. However, night mode is good for when the daylight hours change from winter to summer and if you use the timer function, you would need to alter the times through the year depending on what times dusk and dawn are at.
Overall, another great microchip cat flap, it may not be for everyone, but for those looking for a mains-powered model or night control, this is a great model.
The only downside is that because it’s main powered, you will need to have a plug socket within range. You can buy an extension lead for it at an extra cost but the idea of being mains powered might not be suitable for everyone.
6. Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap
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The ‘Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap’, has an easy to read LCD screen and is one of the more advanced models available. Designed with selective entry so that only your cats can enter your home and prevents neighbouring cats from entering.
One of the features found on this cat flap, which is not available on other models, is the location indicator feature. This shows whether your cats have entered or exited the cat flap and the time since each cat used the cat flap.
As you would expect for such a high-tech cat flap, it also features timer control so you can control what times your cat can enter and exit the cat flap, this is very useful for keeping your cats in after a certain time, ie ‘night-time’.
The LCD screen also displays the electronic 4 Way lock status (Unlocked, In Only, Out Only, Locked). It also displays a low battery indicator so that you know when it’s time to change the batteries before they run out.
Pros
- Entry operated by your cat’s implanted microchip – keeps stray pets out.
- LCD display shows entry/exit lock status, cat location and time since flap last used for up to 3 cats.
- If you have more than one cat, no problem. You can program up to 9 cats into the cat flap’s memory.
- Compatible with 9, 10 and 15 digit microchips.
- Powered by 4 x AA batteries so can be fixed anywhere without the need for mains power. It also has a low battery indicator light to alert you when the battery is low. Batteries last around 1 year, under normal use.
- Comes with 3 years warranty.
Cons
- This model does not have a Selective Exit. This feature is great if you have more than one cat and one cat is not allowed to go outside. This could be, simply because, one of your cats is going to the vets or is permanently not allowed out. Whatever the reason, this feature is a must to overcome this problem.
Our recommendation
Another well thought out and designed Micro Chip Cat Flap, we really like the LCD display that is useful for knowing if your cat or cats are in or out and it saves you from looking around the house, under the chairs, in the washing basket etc to see if they are in the house.
The timer control is an excellent feature and is handy to stop your cats from going outside after a certain time.
7. SureFlap Microchip Pet Door
LARGER DOOR FOR LARGE CATS & SMALL DOGS
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This is the biggest microchip cat flap available and is designed with larger cats and even small dogs in mind. It even includes an ‘RFID collar tag’ that can be attached to the collar so that it activates the flap. This is handy if you have a dog or cat that is not microchipped because they can still access the pet flap.
This is the only SureFlap cat flap that has the timer control feature and this means you can set what times your dog or cat can enter and exit your home, which is useful for preventing them from going out at night.
It also features a manual 4-way manual lock for controlled entry and exit.
Pros
- Larger 178 x 170mm flap opening, makes it possible for larger cats and small dogs to enter and exit that would struggle with a standard sized cat flap.
- Sleek modern design, durable quality plastic, easy to program with the simple click of a button and easy to install with lots of extras such as tunnel attachments.
- 4-way manual lock for controlled entry and exit, this means you can set the cat flap to ‘In only’, ‘out only;’ ‘both ways’ and ‘fully locked’.
- If you have many cats, no problem. You can program up to 32 cats or dogs into the cat flap’s memory.
- Will work with nearly all microchips worldwide, which include 9, 10, 15 digit microchips and RFID Tags. Also comes with an RFID collar tag so if you have a cat or dogs they can still enter if they aren’t microchipped.
- Powered by 4 x C cell batteries so they can be fixed anywhere without the need for mains power. It also has a low battery indicator light to alert you when the battery is low. Batteries last around 12 months under normal use.
- Comes with 3 years warranty for your peace of mind and it shows that Sureflap believes in the quality of their products.
Cons
- This model does not have a Selective Exit. This feature is great if you have more than one cat and one cat is not allowed to go outside. This could be, simply because one of your cats is going to the vets or is permanently not allowed out. Whatever the reason, this feature is must to overcome this problem.
Our recommendation
Another cat flap by ‘SureFlap’ and if you have a larger cat or small dog that cannot fit through a standard cat flap then this larger model will finally resolve this issue.
The RFID collar tag (which is included) is great for fastening to your pet’s collar if it’s not already microchipped. This is also the only cat flap that comes with an RFID collar tag.
If you have a large cat or small dog, this model would be the best model for you as no other cat flap has such a large opening.
Microchip cat flap features
- Microchip compatibility – All the microchip cat flaps that have made it onto our “Top 7″ are compatible with nearly all microchips worldwide, which include 9, 10, 15 digit microchips and RFID Tags. RFID tags are simply small microchip collar tags that can be used, should you not have your cat microchipped. If your cat does not have a microchip fitted we would highly recommend having your cat chipped because RFID tags on collars can be lost if your cat loses its collar, not to mention the advantage of your cat being found should it get lost or be involved in a accident as it can be scanned and returned to you.
- Battery Indicator – All the models we have reviewed all have low battery indicator lights fitted to them, they simply alert you when the battery is low by flashing. Batteries usually last around 12 months under normal use.
- Extra lock system – All the models we have reviewed have a 4-way lock system as standard. The 4-way lock system simply means that you can set the cat flap to “in only”, “out only”, “both ways” or “completely locked”.
- Selective Entry & Exit – Selective entry means that only the animals registered can enter your home and all our recommended cat flaps have this feature. Selective exit means that if you have more than one cat then you can let only one cat leave your home whilst ensuring the other cat stays indoors. This can be handy if one or more cats cannot go out for some reason such as a vets appointment or is not allowed out.
- The number of pets that can be programmed – Most cat flaps can be programmed with at least 25 cats with some models able to register up to 32 cats.
- Timer control for added safety – Some models have timer control and this means you can set the cat flap to only work between certain times, this is handy for stopping your cat going outside between certain times of the day, for example, when it is dark. The PetSafe Petporte Smart Flap even has a dusk to dawn setting that ensures the cat flap only works when it is daylight to help avoid the risk of a road traffic accidents. It also has a “vet setting” to ensure it can enter the home but not exit, handy for keeping your cat indoors until it’s been to the vets.
- Power Source – All microchip cat flaps need a power source and most models simply use 4 x AA batteries. They usually last around 12 months before needing to be changed and all models have a low battery warning light. The PetSafe Smart Flap model is mains powered with a battery backup just in case.
Which is the best microchip cat flap?
Do you need to keep some pets indoors, whilst letting other ones out?
Do you have more than one cat but need to keep one or more of your beloved pets indoors, if your answer is yes then you would need a model with ‘Selective Exit’.
The only cat flap with this feature is the SureFlap dual scan model.
Do you need to keep your pets indoors after dark?
This can be done using the 4-way lock system that is fitted to all models. You would need to set the lock-in ‘entry only’. Then set it to Both ways in the morning again. The problem with this approach is you need to remember to do and it’s a little bit hands-on.
If you want a more hands-off, automatic solution to this then you would need to purchase a model with a Timer Function or Night Mode that locks the cat flap at dusk and opens it again at dawn using a light sensor. This ensures your pet cannot go outdoors when it is dark.
The Cat mate Microchip Cat Flap and Sureflap microchip pet door both have timer functions. The PetSafe Petporte Smart Flap has a timer function and night mode fitted that can be set to only let pets outside between certain hours, this is particularly important in high traffic areas where accidents can be more high risk at night.
What to take into consideration when buying a microchip cat flap
Where are you planning on fitting the Microchip cat flap?
You can fit a cat flap pretty much anywhere you wish, this includes wooden, PVC, metal, glass doors, bricks and walls. Depending on the thickness, you may need to buy accessories such as a tunnel extender or special mounts for certain types of doors. Most cat flaps have special accessories that can be purchased.
Most owners will not need anything extra but it’s worth investigating before purchasing, if you have a normal wood or PVC door you should be good to go with the standard fittings included with the cat flap.
FAQ’S
How do microchip cat flaps work?
Microchip cat flaps have a sensor that is able to read the unique RFID chip number that is on your animal’s collar. The cat flap will only respond to your pet’s chip, therefore, keeping neighbouring cats from coming in.
How much does it cost to microchip a cat?
Depending on the facility you are using whether private or a public veterinary facility, the price may range from around £10 to £ 20.
Are cat flaps dangerous?
In most cases, no they are not dangerous unless you forget to lock your door and a burglar comes in. Microchip cat flaps are safe for use compared to ordinary cat flaps. Make sure that the cat flap is activated to prevent scenarios that promote burglary.
Can you put a cat flap on a glass door?
Yes, it is possible to install a cat flap on a glass door. Unless you are a professional, you should not do that on your own to prevent compromising the structure of the glass. Many manufacturers provide structural support and instructions on how to install the product on different surfaces like doors, windows and walls.
Can older cats learn to use a cat flap?
Although it may take some patience and time, older cats can learn to use the cat flap. The older cats may need to spend some time inside until they learn to use the cat flap. You can teach them to use the cat flap by leveraging the flap open or using treats to trick them. Whatever method you use should match your cat’s temperament.
Final Conclusion
The days of dealing with ordinary cat flaps are coming to an end thanks to the more efficient microchip cat flap. With the world constantly progressing with advanced technology, microchipped products offer solutions for the future. Very soon you will be able to keep track of your pet’s every move with ease. In the meantime, why not enjoy the simple pleasure of knowing when your cat gets home or leaves the house.
Related articles
A complete guide to microchipping your cat.
Best cat water fountains for providing clean fresh water.
7 must-have cat repellent plants.
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
