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Want to provide access to your cat whenever it wants to leave the house while keeping unwanted cats away? Installing the best microchip cat flap is an excellent decision that every cat owner should consider. Cats are very sensitive creatures, and providing them with a stress-free environment is crucial for their well-being.
In this article, we’ll explain why you need to install a microchip cat flap. We’ll also review some of the best models on the market to help you pick the right one.
In a hurry? Check out our recommended models in the table below:
| Image | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | SureFlap Cat Flap with Microchip Identification, White | Buy Now | |
Top | SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect with Hub - DualScan, WiFi link and App Controlled | Buy Now | |
Top | Ferplast Swing Cat Flap with Microchip, White, 22.5 x 16.2 x 25.2 cm | Buy Now | |
Top | Cat Mate Microchip Activated Cat Flap, Exclusive Entry, Simple Installation, 4-Way Manual Locking | Buy Now | |
Top | PetSafe Microchip Activated Cat Flap, Exclusive Entry, Easy Install, 4-Way Manual Locking | Buy Now |
What is a Microchip Cat Flap and How Does it Work?
A regular cat flap provides easy access to your pet cat but doesn’t keep intruders away. As a result, your neighbour’s cats, as well as stray cats, can easily get into your house. These cats can attack your cat, eat the food, or in the best-case scenario, make your pet extremely distressed.
Having a microchip cat flap means that only your cat will be allowed. The cat flap will read the microchip of your cat, or any other cat you choose to allow. These microchipped cat flaps are easy to install and require no maintenance. At the same time, they will keep all intruders away to protect your pet cats from diseases and stress.
A microchip cat flap detects the microchip you’ve installed, and will automatically open to allow your cat to get into the house. This means that your cat will be able to move conveniently, without any help.
At the same time, the flap will close if any other cat attempts to get into the house. Intruder cats can spray the house, attack kittens, or damage your property. Your pet cat will suffer from anxiety and stress when there’s an intruder they can’t control.
Getting your cat microchipped is a fast and harmless procedure that you can have at the vet’s office. The vet installs a microchip between the shoulder blades of your cat, so it won’t be able to scratch or lick it. This process doesn’t affect the cat’s health in any negative way.
After the installation, your cat will be more than happy because it will be able to roam freely. The cat won’t feel confined and won’t have to scratch the door every time it wants to have some fun in the backyard. However, you will guarantee that only the cat you allow will gain access to your house.
You don’t have to type the code, as the flap usually has a learning mode where it identifies the microchip. In the learning mode, the flap will memorize the chip and save it for future use. Most models feature a one-button programming mode for fast recognition. Once your cat approaches the cat flap, the lock will be deactivated to allow your cat to pass through.
Features of a Good Microchip Cat Flap
With different microchip cat flaps on the market, you must make sure that you’ve picked the right one to suit your and your cat’s needs. Here are a few things to take into consideration.
Size
Most cat flaps won’t be wider than 250 mm. However, you should pay attention to the size, especially if you have a larger cat. The flap isn’t designed to let more than one cat at a time. Nevertheless, your cat should be able to pass through easily.
Compatibility
Microchips either have 9, 10 0r 15-digit codes, and most microchip cat flaps work with all of them. However, some few models will only read 15-digit codes. If you’re not sure about the code, you can check with your vet before buying a microchip cat flap.
If your cat isn’t microchipped, you can use the flap with an RFID tag that you can install to your cat’s collar. These are more specific, so they might not work with all microchip cat flaps.
Selective Mode
Not all models will have this feature, but it will come in handy when you have kittens or a sick cat. You can set the microchip flap to prevent a single or multiple cats from leaving the house if you’re concerned about their safety.
Power
Most microchip cat flaps are powered by batteries. These batteries will last for up to 6 months with heavy-duty use. If you have one or two cats in the house, the batteries might last up to a year. Nevertheless, there are some models that need to be connected to a power outlet. You can check both options before deciding on a model to buy.
Installation
If you already have a cat flap, you need to make sure that the microchip cat flap you’re buying is the same size or slightly bigger. A smaller one will let in a draft that you won’t be able to get rid of.
In most cases, installing a microchip cat flap can be a straightforward process. If you need to install yours to a glass door or a wall, you might need to hire a professional.
Reviews of the Best Microchip Cat Flaps
We’ve reviewed some of the best models to help pick an excellent microchip cat flap that will definitely make your life easier and your pet’s life more fun.
Sure Flap Cat Flap with Microchip Identification
- Fast installation
- One button programming
- Batteries will last for up to 12 months
- Information about 32 pets can be stored
Whether you want to install it to a door, wall or window, this cat flap won’t disappoint you. It’s operated using 4 AA batteries that can last for a year with repeated use.
This is a basic model, so it’s effortless to install and operate. However, it lacks some of the fancy features that you can find on other complicated models.
You can store the data of 32 pets using the same cat flap. It works with all the common microchips and RFID collar tags. The one-button programming is an excellent option for first-time users. The opening measures 142 x 120 mm.
It doesn’t scan animals on the way out, so it doesn’t offer selective exit. You’ll need some extra accessories to install it to a glass door.
Sure Flap Microchip Cat Flap Connect with Hub - Dual Scan
- A complete monitoring system
- Can be accessed through your smartphone
- You can set timers
- Selective entry and exit setting that works for multiple cats in the house.
- Compatible with all microchips and RFID collar tags.
This cat flap is rather expensive, but it does more than other microchip cat flaps. It’s a complete monitoring system that monitors any change in your cat’s behaviour. This way, you can easily detect a problem and take the proper action. This cat flap is designed to store the data of up to 32 cats, and the opening measures 142 x 120 mm.
It comes with a Hub that you can connect to your Wi-Fi. You can control the cat flap using an application that you’ve earlier installed to your phone to make sure that your cats won’t exit or get into the house without permission. You will receive notifications that allow you to detect any changes, and you will be able to control it remotely.
Just like the basic models, this one uses 4 AA batteries, but they will last for up to 6 months because of all the extra features. You can set timer settings for your cats’ curfew. You can also set special entry and exit settings for every cat in the house. Thanks to the selective entry feature, this will be an excellent choice if you have kittens or a sick cat in the house.
The cat flap works with all the identification microchips as well as RFID collar tags. However, it’s almost 3 times the price of other models on the market.
Ferplast Swing Cat Flap with Microchip
- Works on microchips and RFID collar tags
- Wind stopper system
- 4-way locking mechanism
- Direction indicator
- Can be used manually
Whether your cat has a microchip or an RFID collar tag, this cat flap will work properly allowing your cats to move freely, while keeping intruder cats away.
The flap is equipped with a wind stopper system that keeps draughts outside and saves energy while allowing for controlled entry and exit.
Thanks to the 4-way locking mechanism, you can control the movement of your cats. You can set it to allow entry and exit, entry only, exit only, or stay completely locked. T
he flap is designed to memorize the data of up to 32 cats. There’s a special pointer that shows you the last direction in which your cat has last passed. This way you will know if your cat is inside or has left the house.
The batteries can last up to a year, and there’s a low-battery indicator. You can easily deactivate it, and the flap will work manually.
There are several sizes available, so you must make sure that it will fit your cat. It’s rather loud, so sensitive cats might be scared when they approach the flap.
Cat Mate 360W Microchip Cat Flap
- Can be installed to thicker walls
- 4-way locking mechanism
- Draft proof and waterproof seal
- One-button programming
This microchip cat flap is quite easy to program. All you have to do is to push a single button, and you will be able to store your pets’ data.
The 4-lock mechanism allows your cats to roam freely, while you stay in control of their whereabouts. You can set the flap to allow entry and exit, entry only, exit only, or stay completely locked.
You can store the data of up to 30 cats to this device. It features a draught proof brush seal and a waterproof seal to keep your house dry when it’s raining outside.
The magnetic closure keeps the flap closed, and you can activate it by installing 4 AA batteries. The width is 145 mm, so it’s wider than other models.
Compared to other flaps, this one emits a rather loud sound when it unlocks. This can startle some cats, pushing them to go back. As a result, the flap will lock one more time. It takes a little practice until your cat is used to this microchip cat flap.
Petsafe Microchip Activated Cat Flap
- Can store the data of up to 40 cats
- Suitable for bigger cats
- Features a draught excluder and 2 magnet closing points for better energy-saving and insulation
- 4-way locking mechanism
Let your cats and their friends in with the help of this cat flap, as it’s designed to store the data of 40 different cats. The cat flap has 2 magnetic closing points and a draught excluder to save energy and keep it closed in all weather conditions, thanks to its proper insulation.
The cat flap is extremely durable and features a 4-way locking mechanism, so you can program it to allow entry and exit, entry only, exit only or stay completely locked to prevent all cats from getting into or out of the house. The opening measures 146 x 135 mm.
This cat flap is designed to suit bigger cats, as it fits cats up to 8 KG. Using 4 AA batteries, this flap can work up to 12 months. However, it only works with 15-digit codes.
Wrap Up
Installing a microchip cat flap allows your cat to move freely while keeping intruder cats away. Luckily, there are lots of good models that you can check out if you want to have more control over your cat’s movement.
We chose the SureFlap Cat Flap with Microchip Identification as our top choice because it’s quite easy to install. This is a basic model that can be installed to any door, wall or window to keep your cats safe.
If you need more features, you can check out the SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect with Hub - DualScan. You can access this model using your smartphone. You can set timers, in addition to special entry and exit settings for multiple cats in the house.
Another option is the Petsafe Petporte Microchip Cat Flap which we have reviewed in more detail on another post.
If you enjoyed this article, check out other reviews of great cat products to have in the house including the best cat window screen, a round up of recommended scratching posts and even outdoor cat houses!