A guide to the best microchip cat flaps available at the moment.
Have you ever wished you could grant access to your home to only a select few? Cats can be so curious and sometimes their sense of adventure gets them into places they don’t belong. Now, with cat flaps with microchip entry, you have the power to choose who can enter your home!
In this blog post, we’ll explore the features and benefits of these advanced pet door solutions, as well as potential drawbacks. Get ready to learn all about this exciting new way to give your furry friends access to your house!
If you’re a cat owner, you will know how important it is to your furry little friend to have the freedom of unobstructed access, to come and go as they please!
A microchip controlled cat flap is a great way to do this without the need for additional collars or tags.
But there are quite a few options out there.
That’s where we come in! In this post, we’ll be including a few of the top microchip cat flaps available, and will outline a few of the benefits of these, sometimes similar, cat flaps.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or something for a the bigger felines out there, we’ve got you covered.
So relax, read on, and let us help you find the perfect cat flap for your furry friend.
Best Microchip Cat Flaps
1. SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap
The SureFlap cat flap can be programmed so that only cats with an appropriate microchip can pass through safely.
In addition, the physical lock on the flap means you can easily keep your cats inside when necessary. With this simple and efficient solution, both you and your cats will enjoy more peace of mind knowing that only approved guests are entering the house!
Pros:
- The SureFlap can be installed in walls, doors or windows with various extensions available.
Cons:
- Battery life may vary due to environmental and use conditions
- Not the best option for aggressive or ‘clever’ cats
- SELECTIVE ENTRY CAT DOOR (Screens on Entry only): Uses RFID to read your cat’s implanted ID microchip, allowing your cat access without letting in stray animals—learns up…
- MICROCHIP COMPATIBILITY: Works with 9 (Avid Secure), 10 (FDXA) and 15 (FDXB) digit microchip numbers; if unsure of your pet’s microchip number, you can check with your…
- DOOR OPENING: The Microchip Cat Door Flap opening is 4 3/4” (H) by 5 5/8” (W) and can be installed in doors, windows or walls – accessories are available from SureFlap.
- BATTERY POWERED: Uses 4 AA non-rechargeable alkaline batteries (not included); estimated battery life up to 12 months depending on use. LOW BATTERY INDICATOR: Light flashes…
2. SureFlap Dual Scan Cat Flap
No matter the size of your cat, this clever technology ensures that only the cats you approve will have access to your home. It is designed to detect a pet’s microchip and requires two successful scans before the door opens.
This system stands out from other cat flaps in that it offers an extra layer of control; allowing you to select which cats can come in and go out as they please. Forget about worrying about lost cats or letting cats into your house at night; with a Dual Scan microchip activated cat flap, you can rest easy knowing that your furry friends are safe and sound!
Pros:
- The SureFlap Dual can be programmed to allow different permissions for different cats, you can keep one cat in while letting another come and go.
- The dual is also really useful if your indoor cat gets out through another door or window, as they have a way back in.
Cons:
- Battery life may vary due to environmental and use conditions
- Compatible with all common microchips – works with your cat’s existing microchip to keep out intruder cats and wildlife
- Set exit permissions for each pet to keep specific pets indoors using dualscan technology – Store up to 32 pets
- Can be installed in doors, windows or walls – accessories available
- Door opening is 4 3/4″ H x 5 5/8″ W
- Requires 4 AA batteries which last up to a year with normal use (not included)
3. SureFlap Microchip Pet Door
If your cat is a bit too hefty for other pet doors, then you’ll want to take a look at this Pet Door. With its durable frame and thick membrane material that reaches out up to two inches from the frame, it can easily support cats that have an extra few pounds or larger breeds. It’s designed to provide just the right amount of flexibility so that even the plumpest of cats can still come in and out with ease.
It also doubles as an effective sound barrier to keep the noise of rain or wind outside while maintaining your precious home’s temperature inside. So, if you’re looking for a door that will accommodate your larger feline friend – this Pet Door is definitely worth considering!
Pros:
- Boasts a high battery life due to the C batteries higher capacity.
- One of the largest door sizes on the list.
- Includes a tag, incase you have a cat that hasn’t had a microchip yet.
Cons:
- Battery life may vary due to environmental and use conditions
- SELECTIVE ENTRY PET DOOR: Scans on ENTRY ONLY. Uses RFID to read your pet’s implanted ID microchip, allowing your pet access without letting in stray animals—learns up to 32…
- MICROCHIP COMPATIBILITY: Works with 9 (Avid Secure), 10 (FDXA) and 15 (FDXB) digit microchip numbers; if unsure of your pet’s microchip number, you can check with your…
- DOOR OPENING: The Microchip Pet Door Flap opening is 6 11/16” (H) by 7” (W) and can be installed in doors, windows or walls – accessories are available from SureFlap.
- BATTERY POWERED: Uses 4 C non-rechargeable alkaline batteries (not included); estimated battery life up to 12 months depending on use. LOW BATTERY INDICATOR: Light flashes red…
4. Cat Mate Microchip Activated Cat Door
If you have a bigger cat or multiple cats, then the Cat mate Cat Door is an ideal solution. It’s equipped with a four-way locking system which keeps unwanted animals from entering your home, but still allows for easy movement between inside and out for your pet. The door also features a large enough aperture that even larger breeds of cats can comfortably fit through.
Not only does this help to keep out intruders, but it also gives your pet the freedom to come and go as they please while keeping them safe and secure at all times. This pet door offers the perfect balance of security and convenience, making it a great choice for homes with bigger cats.
Pros:
- The Cat Mate Cat Door can be programmed to recognize multiple cats microchips.
- The largest door size on our list.
- Made with super-tough polymer
Cons:
- Battery power can vary from what the manufacturer states.
- This version is compatible with most common US microchips including 15 digit ISO, AVIDXX, and AVID Encrypted
- Designed to prevent unwanted entry of stray pets by allowing only programmed pets entry while allowing any pet to exit
- Made from super-tough polymer / Suitable for up to 30 cats (small to average size). Overall size: width 7 3/4”, height 9 11/16” – Cut-out size: width 6 7/8”, height 7 3/4”
- Self-lining to 85mm (3 3/8”) thick – ideal for most doors. Adapter for Metal Doors Available Separately. Easily fitted to walls or glass panels with Cat Mate Wall Adapter Kit.
- It’s important to note that while effective in controlling your cats’ movements, the door may not always prevent entry by certain animals, especially raccoons. In such cases, utilizing the manual locked mode or the “in only setting” is recommended, particularly during nocturnal hours, to ensure added security.
Budget Option: PetSafe Microchip Cat Door
Our Budget option, the PetSafe Cat Door stands up with the others on out list but comes in at a lower price.
Pros:
- More affordable than the other cat flaps on this list.
- Manufacturer states the battery life is around 12 months, when using quality non-rechargeable batteries
Cons:
- Battery life may vary due to environmental and use conditions.
- Improved microchip technology : This Microchip cat flap is compatible with the most common microchips – the improved microchip reader can be…
- Energy efficient: Draught excluder and two magnetic closing Locking points increase Insulation and energy efficiency
- Secure: Durable Plastic Frame with dual-auto Locks and central Four-Way Manual Lock ensures security from unwanted animals
- Adaptable: Easily adapts to cut out sizes for Staywell and Microchip Petporte cat flaps (Size of the cut out may vary depending on the installation…
- Battery operated: Cat flap requires 4 AA good quality, non-rechargeable alkaline batteries (not included); battery life up to 12 months…
What Is a Microchip Activated Cat Flap?
Certain cat flaps can be programmed to unlock when it detects your cat’s microchip, but remain locked when other cats approach your door.
These are cat flaps that rely on widely-used pet microchip identifiers instead of using apps, collars or tags to allow your cat to gain access to your home without you having to act like a door-opening slave.
Cat microchips are routinely administered by veterinarians to identify lost cats by registering a small electronic chip with the owner’s name, address and phone number. The microship will have a serial code that is registered to you, so you can move house and update your address on your cat’s chip without needing to get it replaced.
How Does a Microchip Controlled Cat Flap Work?
A microchip controlled cat flap is designed to detect your cat’s unique ID code, which is stored on the microchip.
When your cat approaches the cat flap, they are scanned, and if it matches the code you would have paired with the sensor, the door will unlock and allow your cat to pass through.
If the approaching cat’s microchip does not match the recognized code, the flap will remain locked, denying access to the cat or other animals like racoons.
Can Microchip Controlled Cat Flaps Be Used With Any Type Of Microchip?
Most microchip controlled cat flaps are designed to work with multiple types of microchips, like 9, 10 and 15 digit microchips including those that are FDX-B and ISO compliant.
Although, it is always advised that you should check the product’s compatibility with your cat’s microchip before deciding on one in particular.
Is It Difficult To Install A Microchip Controlled Cat Flap?
It can be, but depending on your DIY ability and tools you have sometimes you may need to call in help.
Microchip controlled cat flaps are designed to be easy to install at home by the cat’s owner.
They usually come with instructions and all the necessary mounting hardware, some include a paper stencil helping to avoid mistakes, so you should be able to install it in standard doors, in just a few minutes.
There are other points to think about when it comes to installing a cat flap. Sometimes you may need to purchase extensions or additional weatherproofing depending on the thickness of door, or the surface of it. Always refer to instructions and advice given by the manufacturer.
Can Microchip Controlled Cat Flaps Be Used In Outdoor Environments?
Yes, microchip controlled cat flaps are designed to be weather resistant, so they can be installed facing outdoor environments without worrying about damage.
However, we recommend checking the manufacturers instructions on installation and as mentioned previously check if you need additional weatherproofing to protect where the cat flap meets the door.
Are Microchip Cat Flaps Energy Efficient?
In short yes, most microchip controlled cat flaps are designed to use limited energy when a microchip is detected only opening the lock.
A lot of these cat flaps use batteries, from AA to C, so you may experience different battery life depending on what brand you chose.
Something else to remember is a cold environment will drain a battery quickly, so be aware that in the winter or if you live in a colder environment year round batteries may fail quicker than usual.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Getting a Microchip Cat Flap?
As long as your cat has a microchip, then we say go for it, but it will also depend on your specific needs and circumstances. Here are a few more things to think about before buying:
- If you want to give your cat the freedom to come and go whenever they like, a microchip cat flap can be a great investment.
- If you have multiple cats, a microchip cat flap can be even more useful.
- Some allow you to set up individual access for each of your cats, so you have control over which cats are allowed to come and go.
- If you live in an area with a lot of strays or other unwanted animals like racoons or rats, a microchip cat flap can also be a good investment. It helps to keep them out of your home.
- On the other hand, if you do not have any particular security concerns or do not want to give your cat the freedom to come and go as they please, a microchip cat flap may still be useful as secure cat flaps can help prevent anyone reaching in through to attempt to open doors.
- On the topic of break ins and burglars, it’s worth remembering that although cat flaps are small they are still in most cases weaker than the door itself. So do some research about your area and see if a cat flap is best avoided if they are being targeted.
We hope our list has provided you with some great options to consider as you look for the perfect microchip cat flap.
Whatever you choose, we hope you and your cats will be happy with a new microchip cat flap in your home.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
