The 9 Best Microchip Cat Flaps

Reviews

Best Overall: Cat Mate Elite Super Selective Microchip Cat Flap
 

The Cat Mate Elite Super Selective Microchip cat flap is the finest overall solution for allowing your cat to roam freely while keeping strays and other animals out.

It gains access using your cat’s integrated microchip, and if your cat does not yet have a chip, the gadget also contains a separately supplied Cat Mate ID Disc that can be simply fitted on their collar.

It offers an easy-to-use four-way control mechanism that allows you to choose between unlocked, locked, and in-only or out-only access, giving you complete control.

The flap also has an LCD panel that displays the lock status, your cat’s current location, and the last time the flap was used. The unit can house up to nine cats, with the extra features allowing for up to three.

There is also a timed option that allows you to program the flap to keep your cats in or out at specific periods.

The flap is powered by four AA batteries, is weatherproof with a brush-sealed flap, and has a magnetic closing to keep the elements out.

However, some users complain that this flap can be difficult to program and that the program buttons are difficult to depress.

Pros

• System of four-way control
• Display of LCD screen function
• Can house up to nine cats
• Timer that opens and closes
• Weather-resistant flap seal

Cons

• Is somewhat difficult to program
• Function buttons are difficult to press.

 

SureFlap Microchip Cat Door is the best buy
 

The SureFlap is the best microchip cat flap for the money because it is inexpensive but incredibly functional.

The flap includes a simple one-button programming mechanism that works with your cat’s microchip or a separately purchased RFID tag.

The flap can accommodate up to 32 cats, making it ideal for cat owners with several pets. This cat flap is entirely battery-powered, eliminating the need for unsightly cords and extensions and making installation a pleasure.

The manual four-way lock allows you to manage when your cat can enter and exit, which is useful when you’re away at work or on vacation.

This flap cannot be programmed to remain unlocked, which is inconvenient if you’re using it for little dogs or kittens. The flap door is also fairly flexible, and the moveable lock is short, allowing a large cat to open the unit even when it is locked.

The door will then remain open, allowing additional cats or animals to enter. These tiny faults hinder this flap from being at the top.

Pros

• One-button programming
• Up to 32 cats can be programmed.
• Battery-powered
• Inexpensive

Cons

• It cannot be programmed to stay unlocked.
• Big cats can force the flexible door open.

 

Premium PetSafe Interior and Exterior Microchip Cat Flap
 

The PetSafe Interior and Exterior flap is an excellent choice if you want a quality microchip cat flap with plenty of features. It can be programmed for up to 40 cats, making it ideal for multi-pet households.

The four-way locking system allows you to set it to locked, unlocked, exit-only, or entry-only, providing you complete control over your cat’s movements.

It includes durable weather stripping and two insulted locking points to keep rain and wind out, and the battery-powered operation eliminates the need for messy power lines while providing an estimated 12 months of battery life.

It can be used with your cat’s unique microchip or with an RFID collar chip purchased separately. This flap is quite loud and creates a clicking sound when the lock is released, which may scare your cat away from using it.

When the flap is set to in-only mode, some users report their cats picking the lock by slipping their paws underneath. This can be dangerous for your cat since a leg or tail can easily become trapped inside the door.

These tiny issues hinder this flap from making the top two.

Pros

• Locking mechanism with four positions
• Insulated and weatherproof door
• Up to 40 cats can be programmed.
• Operation is battery-powered.

Cons

• Expensive
• Your cat may be scared by the loud operation.
• Some cats can easily go around the door.

 

Microchip for Cat Mate The Cat Door
 

This Cat Mate microchip cat flap is compatible with your cat’s implanted RFID chip or a collar-tag chip.

It is easy to configure, can be used for up to 30 different cats, and features a four-way rotating lock that gives you complete control over your cat’s movements.

The brush-sealed flap features a strong magnetic latch to keep wind and rain out. It is also composed of strong polymer and is translucent, allowing your cat to view inside and outside.

The AA-battery powered operation ensures a smooth and easy installation, with no untidy cords or extensions, and can last for up to 12 months.

It’s crucial to note that changing the batteries on this device will result in the loss of your cat’s unique ID information, necessitating a reprogramming. The flap is also quite loud and boisterous, which may deter some cats from utilizing it.

Several users have reported that the flap only worked intermittently with their cat’s chip, requiring them to remain inside the tunnel for several seconds until it was ultimately triggered.

Pros

• It is possible to utilize it with up to 30 different cats.
• Design that is weatherproof
• Rotary lock with four positions

Cons

• Replacing the battery necessitates reprogramming.
• Noisy
• Intermittently effective

 

Cat Flap with DualScan Microchip SureFlap
 

SureFlap’s DualScan microchip cat flap works with most common microchips and employs dual-scan technology to ensure the flap opens fast and consistently for your feline friend.

It can hold up to 32 cats, and the simple one-button function makes setting permissions for your cats quick and straightforward.

It has a four-way manual lock and a central magnet on the entrance to keep wind and rain out. The flap is battery-powered and can last for up to a year.

This flapping door runs loudly, with loud locking and unlocking clicks that may scare your cats away from using it.

Several users have reported that during heavy rains, water can sneak in through the flap, and a large cat or raccoon can easily overcome the weak magnet on the door and force the flap open.

It also features a small tunnel that will be difficult for large animals to navigate.

Pros

• Technology for dual scanning
• Can house up to 32 different cats
• Manual four-way lock

Cons

• Noisy
• It is not waterproof.
• Tunnel of limited size
• The flap door is simple to open.

Buyers Guide: How to Identify the Best Microchip Cat Flaps

A microchip cat flap is an excellent way to regulate your cat’s movements and keep strays and other small animals out of your home.

The idea behind a microchip cat flap is straightforward: Only when the sensor scans your cat’s implanted RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip or a suitable collar-tag chip will the flap open.

This microchip functions as your cat’s personal house key, allowing them to come and go as they like, and it may be configured by you to offer your cat freedom of movement via the flap that you control completely.

Some models also include timers and programmable functions that you may tailor to various cats.

A microchip cat flap has numerous characteristics to consider, and the more bells and whistles it has, the more it will cost, but the more functionality it will have.

Why should you buy a microchip cat flap?

A microchip cat flap has various advantages over a standard flap:

• If your cat is ill or injured, it may be prevented from going outside.
• It will assist you in keeping track of your cat’s feeding habits.
• It can keep other unwanted cats out of your home.
• It can keep your cat inside or outside while you’re at work.

Dimensions and installation

While most available cat flaps are large enough to accommodate most average-sized cats, this is the first box to check before purchasing. Large cats may not be able to fit through some of the available models.

Most cat flaps are simple to install in wood or PVC doors, but if you want to place the flap in a window, wall, or metal door, you will need to purchase additional pieces.

Cats are intelligent and determined animals, thus the flap should be as strong as possible. The flap door lock should be sturdy enough to prevent your cat from slipping their paw through and forcing the door open.

Entry and exit restrictions

A selective entry option on your microchip cat flap is a given, and almost all available models will have it. Only cats with their microchips programmed into the flap’s database will be able to enter through the flap.

Selective exit is not available on all microchip cat flap types, however it is a valuable function if you have more than one cat.

It allows you to program which of your cats can go outside, which is ideal if you have kittens or senior cats who must be kept indoors.

Power

Most microchip cat flaps are battery powered and can last up to a year before needing to be updated.

Keep in mind that some versions will reset when the batteries are changed and will need to be reprogrammed with your cat’s chip.

Mains-powered flaps will alleviate this issue, as well as the possibility of the flap’s batteries running out while you are not around.

These devices, however, are significantly more difficult to install and will have unsightly power supply wires that must be hidden.

Noise

Most cats will need to be trained to use the flap, which should be done gradually to avoid frightening them. Another key factor to consider is how loud the flap is.

Some flaps include a loud locking/unlocking mechanism that may frighten your cats away from utilizing them.

Additional characteristics

More expensive microchip cat flaps have distinct extra features worth considering, such as:

Function of a timer. This is a fantastic function that saves you from having to manually configure the flap at various times of the day.

Depending on your needs, you can program the flap to adjust entry/exit options. For example, you might set the timer to allow your cats in during the day but prevent them from leaving at night.

This function allows you to keep track of how frequently your cat enters and exits the flap, as well as when it was last used.

Seals for the weather. Most flaps have this feature, however some are better than others. To prevent wind and rain from entering via the flap, the door should be securely sealed.

RFID collar option. If you have a cat without a microchip, this is a must-have function. It allows you to buy an extra tag that you may put on your cat’s collar to allow them to use the flap.

Conclusion

The Cat Mate Elite Super Selective Microchip Cat Flap is the best microchip cat flap overall.

This gadget features everything you might want in a microchip cat flap, including an easy-to-use four-way control system, a lock-status LCD screen, and a useful timed feature. The SureFlap is the greatest microchip cat flap for the money.

It has a simple one-button programming function, can accommodate up to 32 cats, is totally battery-powered, and is simple to set up. If you’re on a tight budget, this is the cat flap to get.

There are numerous features that can make selecting the best microchip cat flap difficult.

BestForPets‘ (bestforpets.org) detailed reviews of the best microchip cat flaps should have helped you weigh your options and choose the best one for your needs.