Cat flaps are not new but the best microchip cat flaps provide that extra piece of brilliance. They operate by recognizing the microchip inserted into your cat’s neck and they will only open for your specific cat and that particular chip reading. This means the neighborhood posse of felines, strays or any other curious cat can’t get in accidently as they would be able to with a traditional cat flap.
Gone are the days of finding a random feline in your house or annoying feral tom cat spraying in your kitchen. Madison Clasby, an expert in canine and feline nutrition, and co-founder of Jack’s Premium, a natural pet food brand, says, “The main benefit of a microchip cat flap is the ability to keep strange cats out of your house. If you are lucky enough to be hosting multiple feline friends, a microchip cat flap can also help set up individual restrictions so, for example, young kittens cannot leave the house whenever they want like their older brothers and sisters can.”
In our cat flap investigations, we reviewed how each cat flap rated in areas such as battery life, security, ease of use, trackability, affordability and more. If you are new to cat flaps then you may find how microchip cat flaps work a helpful read before making your choice from these stand out microchip cat flaps.
PetsRadar's pick of the best microchip cat flaps
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A popular product by PetMate (known for its competitively priced cat flaps), the Microchip Cat Mate 360 cat flap works with an implanted microchip, or a unique ID disk that can be fixed to a collar. It requires four AA batteries to read the chip, but these typically last for around a year, making it a rather cost-effective option.
The design of the cat flap allows for plenty of space for your cat to pass through. User reviews describe this as being easy to program, as an LED indicator flashes when a cat passes through. There is capacity for up to 30 cats can use the same door, making it ideal for houses with lots of kitties.
The flap itself is transparent, which can be handy if your cat waits on the doorstep to be let in the old-fashioned way. It’s made of a super-tough polymer, so is built to last, and is capable of withstanding the repeated headbutts of the toughest tomcats.
There’s a weatherproof brush, allowing you to keep out unwanted drafts (not to mention wildlife), and the flap itself can be sealed with a magnetic closure. There is also a rotary four-way lock for times when you want to keep your pet inside or outside – like when you're going away on holiday, for example.
This isn't easy to fit (which seems to be the norm with cat flaps in general), but the Cat Mate is self-lining to 80mm thick, and can be installed in most doors, as well as walls and glass panels if users are willing to buy the accompanying 361 adapter kit. Of course, this adds to the cost, but may offer a solution that other cat flaps simply don't have.
Although the Microchip Cat Mate 360 cat flap isn't the prettiest or most high-tech model out there, it performs its job well and with minimal fuss, offering great value for money.
If you’re looking for a no-frills microchip cat flap from a trusted brand that gets the job done, the SureFlap Microchip may be for you. Like all microchip models, it only lets your pets in and out, while preventing intruders from stealing food or messing up your home. Of course, your pet will need to be microchipped – and the cat flap works with any of them – or wear a SureFlap RFID collar tag, which costs extra.
As far as cat flaps go, customers say that this one is pretty easy to install, and it can be fitted in doors, windows, and walls, although accessories may be needed, which cost extra. One user even said that she replaced a SureFlap cat flap made more than 10 years ago easily as the screws were in the same place.
Compared with some other models this one has a long battery life and is powered by four AA batteries, which are much easier to get hold of than the cell ones, although they make the casing is a little bulkier.
There’s a four-way manual lock to keep your pets in or out and lock up securely when you go on holiday, and for households with plenty of pets, this flap can cater for up to 32 cats by programming in their unique microchip numbers.
Customers have praised the quality and ease of use of the SureFlap microchip cat flap. Its simplicity and price makes it the perfect first microchip cat flap. It’s also great for people who aren’t fussed by having extra features, because why pay for Wi-Fi and tracking features if you don’t need them?
The SureFlap Microchip Connect with Hub is a gadget-lover’s dream. The set comprises a generously sized cat flap and a hub that connects the door to the accompanying Sure Petcare app.
The kit offers all the usual benefits of a microchip cat flap in keeping unwanted guests at bay, plus a whole load of extras to connect you to your cat.
For example, the Sure Petcare app enables you to lock or unlock the pet door remotely even when you’re not at home. There’s a ‘curfew mode’ that can be set up via the app so that the door is locked or unlocked at specified times of the day, meaning the end of that sinking feeling when you realize you’ll have to get out of bed to check that the cat flap is closed at night – if you keep your cat inside, obviously.
The app also lets you check if your pet is at home, which is particularly great if you work late, and you'll receive a notification when your pet goes in or out via the pet door. You can even share access with friends and manage their permissions so they can help out when you can’t.
The package includes the hub, which has cute cat ears, but some customers have said it’s annoying as it has to be plugged in nearby, and sockets tend to be in high demand in the kitchen and utility rooms where cat flaps are often placed. The flap does work without Wi-Fi, but obviously, you lose all the extra features you have paid for.
The cat flap requires four C-cell batteries every six months or so, which are not always easy to find. Some users have also complained that it’s not the easiest to set up, but it certainly offers many more features than the vast majority of cat flaps.
As all cat owners know, our feline friends have unique personalities, preferences, and needs. So, while one adventurous pet may be a menace out hunting, another more timid moggy may prefer to stick to its own territory and rarely bring in any animal it has caught.
Designed for multi-cat households, the SureFlap DualScan microchip cat flap is designed to help you manage your cats’ needs individually, despite them sharing a single cat flap.
The gadget reads a pet’s microchip or SureFlap RFID collar tag every time they go in and out of the flap, and lets you program it to keep certain cats inside while allowing others out. In this way, you could keep any troublemakers inside at night, while allowing more chilled-out felines outside for a moonlit stroll. The cat flap can be programmed for up to 32 cats, although this would make it as busy as Clapham Junction.
While the gadget isn’t particularly attractive, it is simple to set up with one-button programming, and offers incredible flexibility for multi-cat homes, making life a little easier so that there’s more time to play with your pets. It can be installed in doors, windows and walls (with the aid of accessory kits sold separately) and is powered by four AA batteries which last up to 12 months – although probably not if it is being used by 32 cats!
The cat flap has a manual four-way lock for security, which can be used to keep programmed pets in or out, and is handy for when you go on holiday and want to lock up your home. There’s also a safety mode that allows kitties breaking their curfew to get back inside if they manage to escape through an open door or window.
If you’re the proud owner of a Maine Coon – the biggest domestic cat – you’ll know that not all cat flaps cut the mustard. The breed is big-boned and muscular, measuring over three feet long. But this is where the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door for Large Cats comes into its own.
The cat flap works like any other microchip offering to keep intruders out, but its flap is bigger, measuring seven inches across and 6.7 inches high. This means it’s suitable for bigger breeds of cat (and those that really appreciate a good tin of Whiskas, or five), as well as smaller dogs.
The gadget boasts a curfew mode that enables you to set the door to lock and unlock at specified times, which might be especially helpful for dog owners who let their dogs outside for a quick toilet trip, or for cat owners who prefer to keep their pet indoors at certain times of the day or night.
The pet door unlocks only for a registered pet's microchip when they return home, and can store up to 32 pet identities in its memory – although you would probably need a mansion to house 32 Maine Coons!
For non-microchipped pets, the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door is also compatible with the SureFlap RFID Collar Tag, and there’s one included in the box so you can get up and running straight away.
The pet door runs on four C-cell batteries, which typically last for up to 12 months but are not the easiest to find. There’s a four-way manual lock to secure the flap and override the microchip-operated lock if you need to.
If you’re not keen on using an app with your cat flap, and think connecting it via Wi-Fi is a little over-the-top for your needs, the Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap with Timer Control offers you a little bit of extra information about your cats, but isn’t overwhelmingly hi-tech. In short, it bridges the gap between a standard microchip cat flap and one of the all-singing, all-dancing models.
Like all the cat flaps on our list, this one is operated by your cat’s implanted microchip to keep local feline friends and foes outside. It’s compatible with 9, 10, and 15-digit microchips and can be used by up to nine cats, although there are better options if you’re specifically looking for a multi-cat option.
The gadget has a timer function and four-way lock to help you keep your cats in at night, for example. But the cat flap’s USP is its little built-in screen that shows, at a glance, whether you cat is in or out and the last time your cat used it. In fact, this data can be shown for up to three cats, which is incredibly handy if you’re trying to call them all for dinner.
The screen is placed on the top of the gadget, meaning you can see the data without bending down, but it does make the overall flap a little bulkier than competitors. Neither does it collect or display as much data as one of the hi-tech versions that details all sorts of feline habits. But if you don’t fancy yet another app on your phone and want a little bit of info at a glance, then this cat flap might be for you.
The PetSafe Microchip Activated Cat Flap is a great option for anyone on a budget, plus it is compatible with all of the most common microchips. Not only does the PetSafe cat flap allow for access to up to 40 cats, but it works in the most energy efficient way, acting as a draught excluder with two magnetic closing points that increase insulation. It also has weather stripping to provide protection from the elements, meaning this cat flap will withstand the test of time.
The frame is made from durable plastic and has dual-auto locks and a four-way manual lock for ultimate security from unwanted pests in your home. The size of the flap is 150 x 140mm and is easily adaptable to fit existing cat flap holes in your door ( it comes with a cutting template too). One important thing to note is that for doors made of metal, glass, PVC or to put this cat flap in a brick wall, you are required to also purchase their PetSafe installation adaptor and tunnel extension for the simplest and most effective installation.
The flap itself is battery operated using four AA batteries, and battery life is pretty impressive at around 12 months, however it does specify to use good quality, non-rechargeable batteries for the best possible results.
Installation and set up is said to be easy, with one-button programming that will connect the cat flap to your kitty’s microchip. The flap takes about a second to read the microchip and will make a clicking sound once it has identified the chip, so if your cat has never used an automatic cat flap before they may have to get used to waiting for the door to open. It will close again after about four seconds if no one enters. It has a green light that appears when it has successfully read the chip, and the LED light will also indicate when your battery is running low so your moggy will never get locked out!
This cat flap is suitable for cats up to 8 kilograms and is great for households with multiple pets.
Elin Williams graduated in 2018 with a degree in Clinical Animal Behavior and Welfare from Harper Adams University in Shropshire, UK. Since graduating she has worked in both the charity and private sectors with a range of animals, but she has always had a soft spot for cats. In her current role, she covers Wales and the South West of England, providing behavioral support for cats in care and those who have recently been adopted.
Do microchip cat flaps work?
Simple answer? Yes, they do. Once you have set them up – and assuming the batteries have not run out – these cat flaps will recognize your moggies by reading the microchip implanted into their neck, thereby allowing the little door to open. The flap should then close behind your cat and not allow any other felines with an unrecognizable chip to enter, giving a feline peace of mind.
“We do sometimes see cats developing behavioral issues because an unknown cat is entering their home through a normal cat flap, this is because cats are a highly territorial species, and having strange cats in their core territory can be a source of stress,” says Elin Williams, a behavior officer for the charity Cats Protection.
“A microchip cat flap removes this risk factor and stops the unknown cat from being able to re-enter the house. The original cat can then learn that their core territory is safe again.”
There is, however, one way an intruder cat may be able to get in: by tailgating. This is rather unavoidable because a neighborhood cat can easily get up close to your feline's bottom and seize the opportunity to enter while the flap is still fully open. Another animal could also place a sneaky paw within an open door to prevent it from closing again.
One thing's for sure, the microchip cat flap isn't going to forcibly push a tailgating cat back but such incidents are going to be rare. In most cases, once a flap has closed again, it will lock within seconds. It's also worth pointing out that a microchip cat flap won't stop your moggy from voluntarily bringing in small animals, alive or dead, either.
How long does a microchip cat flap work?
The microchip cat flap itself should last for years – it's the batteries that will fail first. Not to worry, though, because they're easily replaceable and, if you opt for rechargeable ones, they're not going to be especially costly or inconvenient in the long run either.
The good news is that the microchip inside your cat should last for a lifetime. They are inserted into your cat by a vet and they are not known to fail or break. “It’s particularly important to microchip your cat as a safe, permanent form of identification,” says Elin Williams, a behavior officer for the charity Cats Protection. “You should also keep your contact details up-to-date on the associated database.”
How to choose the best microchip cat flap
Not sure where to start when thinking about microchip cat flap specifications? Start here…
Power Source
You can either have an external power source for the cat flap, or it can be battery powered. There are pros and cons to each - but batteries are often considered better overall as it gives you maximum flexibility over where to place the flap, there’s no chance of creating trip hazards with wires, and they’ll keep working even if the power supply is otherwise interrupted. If you do decide to go for a battery-powered cat flap, you might want to look for one which offers an indicator as to when the battery is running low so you can recharge or replace the batteries.
Size of Cat
You’ll need to make sure that whatever cat flap you buy fits your feline friend with ease. This might sound obvious, but it’s worth double checking the size of the aperture against the size of your cat, particularly if yours is on the large side. You’ll also need to think about whether the flap is suitably sized for where you intend to install it - such as a back door. Some will need extra accessories or adapters around the flap, which should be taken into account too.
Weather Resistance
If you live somewhere that is prone to lots of rain or snow, you should also look for flaps that promise to withstand tough weather conditions.
Energy Efficiency
If your cat flap is placed on a door that leads directly into a main living space, you might want to think about its weather-sealing, to keep draughts and breezes out and ensure you’re not losing valuable energy from your home. This might be slightly less important if your cat flap is placed somewhere like a porch or external area, but it’s always worth thinking about the best ways to keep the heat in. Some devices use things like a triple-flap setup to ensure there’s never a direct airflow from outside to inside.
Number of Cats
If you’ve got more than one cat, you’ll need to make sure you pick a flap that can recognise multiple moggies. Most of them can do this, but, if you have cats with different needs - such as ones that shouldn’t be let out after a certain time - you’ll also need to check whether or not you can set specific rules for specific cats.
How long does a microchip cat flap work?
So long as nothing damages the microchip cat flap, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t last for many years - potentially even the lifespan of your cat. The batteries (if using) inside the cat flap will fail first - but you should find with most flaps that they are easy to replace. It’s worth investing in rechargeable batteries if you can so that you’re not always having to buy replacements.
The microchip in your cat is extremely unlikely to fail, and therefore again should last the lifetime of your pet. It’s important to always keep your microchip details up to date on its associated database however in case your cat is lost.
Is it worth getting a microchip cat flap?
Cat flaps provide such great assistance as you know your cat can come and go even if you are not there. No more worrying about them being left outside if it starts to rain for example. But they also have a disadvantage in that every roaming feline can use them too and often they do! To counter this magnetic cat flaps appeared but these types can ruin the cat collar rapidly and then they won’t work. Enter the microchip cat flap… which resolves all these issues and some you didn't realize you needed such as allowing some of your cats in and out but not others, they also prevent wildlife like foxes from coming into your house. Overall yes they are worth it even if they do cost a little more time and money in the set up.
