The Best Microchip Cat Flaps

We’ve shortlisted the top 5 microchip cat flaps available in the UK right now. Give your cat the freedom to come and go as they please.

Tips for choosing the best microchip cat flap

How does a microchip cat flap work?

For cat owners who have their cats microchipped (and if you’ve not, please look into it!), microchip cat flaps are configured to your individual cat (or cats), allowing them access to your house or to leave when they want to.

Most microchip cat flaps have a range of options available so you can define when your cats are allowed out and about.

Automated cat flaps can keep your neighbour’s pets out!

One of the main drawbacks of manual cat flaps is that they allow other pets in your home. This can be an inconvenience at best, or at worst can cause trauma or distress for your own cats if the invading pet is aggressive.

By using a microchip cat flap, you can ensure that only your cats are allowed in your house, so you won’t come home from work to find uninvited guests. Unless of course your cat brings you a “present”, but unfortunately we don’t have a solution for that!

These cat flaps are compatible with most microchipped cats

It’s worth carefully researching each model of cat flap to ensure it is in fact compatible with your cat’s microchip. Some models only support newer microchips, but many do support all microchipped cats.

RFID collar tags are sold separately

If you don’t have your cat microchipped (and again, please reconsider because there are lots of benefits from doing so), then you can purchase a RFID tag which fits on your cat’s collar. Remember these are brand specific, so not all tags will work with all cat flaps.

Check with the manufacturer to find out which one to use.

The Best Microchip Cat Flaps Compared

Below you can find our selection of the best microchip cat flaps currently available in the UK.

SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Cat Mate Microchip Cat Flap SureFlap Cat Flap with Hub PetSafe Petporte Cat Mate Elite Microchip

SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap

SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap

Price: ££ (check)

Popular microchip cat flap

One button programming

Compatible with common microchips

Installation hole size: 165mm x 171mm

1. SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap

**Recommended**

The SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap is one of the most popular models on the market just now. It’s simple and affordable, doing everything you need your microchip cat flap to do.

This is a basic model, operated by 4 x AA batteries and can be installed in virtually any door, wall or window (although it should be noted that tunnel extensions may be required for thicker walls and these can be purchased separately). The batteries last up to a year, so there’s very little you need to do to maintain the system.

It’s one of the more affordable models on the market as it doesn’t come with more advanced features like timer or app controls, but it does have a 4 way manual lock system to allow you to adjust whether or not your cat can use it. This cat flap allows up to 32 pets to be authorised users and allows any cat to leave your use, but only your cats to enter.

As with any new item in your house, your cats may take a little while getting used to it but most cats should get to grips with how to leave and enter via the cat flap pretty quickly.

Our verdict…

Simplicity is often key when it comes to these things and that’s why so many people have opted for SureFlap cat flaps. They’re a great brand that produces fantastic products. This particular model is at the lower end, making it affordable while still delivering a great microchip activated cat flap. Highly recommended!

Cat Mate 360W Microchip Cat Flap

Cat Mate 360W Microchip Cat Flap

Price: ££ (check)

4 way manual lock system

Compatible with common microchips

Installation hole size: 173mm x 198mm

2. Cat Mate 360W Microchip Cat Flap

The Cat Mate 360w Microchip Cat Flap is another contender for a fantastic budget microchip cat flap. Like its SureFlap counterpart (above), it’s a basic model intended that comes in at a lower price, but does everything you need it to do.

The 4 way lock system allows you to control your cat’s access to the flap which is useful for times when you might not want your cat heading out (for example, during thunderstorms or if there are fireworks being set off nearby). The combination of manual control and automation gives you the peace of mind that your cat has the freedom it needs, but that you can sure it is safe.

Compatible with all microchips, this model is suitable for all cat owners and for those who don’t have their cat chipped, you can purchase a Cat Mate ID Disc which can be attached to your cats collar.

This model also runs on 4 x AA batteries, with an expected lifespan of around a year.

The brush sealed flap with magnetic closure means that the cat flap is secure and draught proof, so your home retains its heat (which I’m sure both you and your cat will be please to hear!).

Our verdict…

The Cat Mate Microchip Cat Flap is a solid, budget cat flap. It’s slightly larger than the SureFlap model, but there’s not much in it. Pick the one that you find most aesthetically compatible with your home as the quality and features in both are very similar.

SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect with Hub Bundle

SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect with Hub Bundle

Price: £££ (check)

Remote hub to operate cat flap remotely

Set different permissions for different cats

Timer controls

Installation hole size: 165mm x 171mm

3. SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect with Hub Bundle

Now we’re getting into the premier league of microchip cat flaps. As I said earlier, SureFlap are a great brand when it comes to cat flaps – the model we looked at above is the most basic one they make. This model however, is at the other end of the scale and comes with all bells and whistles you might want from your cat flap.

So let’s start with the obvious downside – more features means a higher cost and this model comes in at almost three times the basic model. It’s still pretty affordable for what you get, but the higher price might put off some cat owners.

But, the features you get with this cat flap are great…

The cat flap comes with a “hub” which is basically a bit of kit that connects the microchip cat flap to your home wifi. From there, you can use the app on your smartphone to control the settings of cat flap.

For example, for owners of multiple cats you can use the app to decide which of your feline friends can leave the house and which can’t. This is a great feature if you have a young kitten or a cat that’s just back from the vet or feeling ill. You can still let your other cats out, but ensure more vulnerable cats stay inside.

The app will send you notifications when each cat leaves or enters the house. Of course, you don’t need to be constantly monitoring your cat’s activity (let’s face it, you probably will at first!) because you can configure different settings for each cat. Over time, you will get a great insight into your cat’s behaviour and gain a better understanding of how they live.

As with other models, this one runs on 4 x AA batteries. The more advanced features means the average lifetime of the batteries is around 6 months (compared to 12 for more basic models), but you are getting a lot in return for that trade off.

Our verdict…

SureFlap promote this cat flap as “the most advanced microchip cat flap ever” and you can see why. It gives you full control over how your cats enter and leave your house, right from the palm of your hand. Definitely one for the tech aficionados!

PetSafe Petporte Smart Flap Microchip Cat Door

PetSafe Petporte Microchip Cat Door

Price: ££ (check)

Light sensor

Programmable timer

Mains powered

Installation hole size: 171mm x 180mm

4. PetSafe Petporte Microchip Cat Door

The Petporte Smart Flap Cat Door is another fantastic model from PetSafe. It sits in the mid-market range in terms of price and features, so it’s good for people who are looking for a few more options but don’t want to go with the more technical premium model.

Unlike the more basic microchip cat flaps, the Petporte comes with a range of more advanced features. For example, the programmable timer allows you to configure when your cat can get in and out of the house and this can be set for up to 25 different cats. The cat flap comes with a “vet mode” setting to allow only entry to the house – this ensures your cats stay in when you need them to.

Another great feature is “night mode”. The cat flap comes with a light sensor and it can be configured to lock the flap in the evening and then open again at dusk. This is ideal for cat owners who are concerned about their cat going out at night and gives you the peace of mind that they are safely at home.

Unlike other models, the Petporte is mains powered rather than taking batteries.

Our verdict…

This is definitely a cat flap for cat owners who need to have a good degree of control over when their cat can leave the house. Its smart features save you having to adjust the settings all the time and the extra control gives you the peace of mind that your cats are safe.

Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap with Timer Control

Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap with Timer Control

Price: £££ (check)

Timer controls

LCD display

Compatible with common microchips

Installation hole size: 178mm x 205mm

5. Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap with Timer Control

The Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap is another higher end product, coming in at a similar price as the SureFlap with Hub – so definitely one for cat owners who want to spend a bit more on their cat flap.

Unlike the other models covered in this guide, this one has a LCD screen which indicates when the cat flap was last used and by which cat. This can be useful for owners of cats who like to hide away! How many times have you had to run around the house, late for work, while playing an inconvenient game of hide n’ seek with your feline friend? With this cat flap, you’ll know if your cat’s already home or not.

As a more advanced model, it does come with timer control to allow you to manage when your cats can come and go. Again, this feature might not be useful for all cat owners but for those who are concerned about their cat going out at certain times, it’s definitely a worthwhile addition to your cat flap.

It has all the basic features of other cat flaps – 4 way locks to manually control the cat flap and it also runs on 4 x AA batteries with a lifespan of around 12 months.

Our verdict…

This is a good model for cat owners who might want a few more features, but don’t particularly won’t to have to deal with the technical side of setting up a home hub and using an app. It gives a good deal of control over when your cats come and go, and gives you peace of mind as a result.

Do you have a question about microchip cat flaps?

Ask our community and see what they have to say.

Comments 27

  1. I’m looking for a microchip cat flap that will open as the cat approaches. We have one cat that is a rescue with a bad start in life and she just won’t use a cat flap unless it’s propped open. All the ones I’ve seen seem to need the cat to push the flap but I’m sure there must be one that swings open on approach?
    (And, yes, we’ve tried everything to get her to use a flap – she is really a scaredy-cat that only time will mend!)

  2. Hi, we’ve got a PetSafe 100 series microchip operated catflap which seems to operate sporadically.
    Seems as though the cat’s microchip is not centrally placed – perhaps a little more to the left shoulder and this causes all sorts of grief with her being unable to enter the house.
    Trying to find out the range of the various models seems to be a challenge. Does anyone have any knowledge or guidance on this subject?
    The PetPorte with the overhanging porch seems like it may be an option – any thoughts from someone who’s experienced a similar issue?

  3. My cat has been using the Sure Flap microchip cat flap installed nearly 5 years ago. In that time by sheer determination to get out, she has managed to break 4 of the manual lock inserts – the two prongs break far too easily so I think this is a real design fault. Sure Flap please take note!

    Sure Flap have replaced 3 of these broken locks while the unit was under warranty and a 4th after it had expired. For the past 8 months if I want to my cat to stay indoors I have to block the cat flap with something heavy. I’m about to move house and will need to install a new cat flap … trouble is, another Sure Flap would be useless and a pure waste of money. So what robust cat proof microchip cat flap would you recommend I look at buying?

  4. Looking at the SureFlap Dual Scan – if the batteries were to run out, would it just operate temporarily on the ‘lock dial’ rather than read the microchip? would the cats still be able to get in?

  5. Hello, we already have Cat Mate microchip cat flap, which was great until our neighbour’s cat learnt how to bounce the flap such that he can insert his upturned front paw and pull it open and enter! Are there any microchip flaps that have a two-pronged clasp mechanism that prevents bouncing?
    Thank you

    1. Hi Shirley,

      It’s not an uncommon problem you have – cats are clever creatures! The SureFlap Dual Scan is fairly robust as it’s designed to scan cats going out (so if you have multiple cats you can determine which are allowed out). The door should be strong enough to prevent unwanted visitors.

      However, if it’s the case that the neighbours cat is basically “tailgating” your cat when they come home (sticking their paw in the flap before it closes properly), then it’s unlikely other cat flaps will prevent this. May need to start bribing the neighbours cat with treats to keep them out! 🙂

    1. Hi Jemma,

      Yes most can be installed in glass or wood doors. If you’re using a tradesman to install it, it’s worth checking with them first though, and the product descriptions of cat flaps will indicate if they can be installed on glass doors (the SureFlap Dual Scan can be installed on glass doors for example).

  6. FJ

    I am looking for a large entry and exit microchip battery cat flap around 178mm x 204mm. I have 5 adult large cats, so I need to find one which can be programmed for a multiple entry. Also, none of them have used cat flat before, so it needs to be a quiet one and not too deep. Plus, is there a model which will allow one cat out but not another?

  7. I have a petsafe flap that doesn’t do the intended job. As my cat takes a while to get through the tunnel its already opened and locked. Is there one with a variable time control that the unit stays unlocked

    1. Hi, Am I right in thinking that the cat mate elite will prevent a Cat from entering from outside but will not prevent them getting out even if they have a microchip? I have three cats, one of them a Kitten and I want to be able to let the two older ones come and go as they please but keep the kitten in for the time being. I was under the impression you could state if the cats could go in, in and out, just out or have it locked. Am I wrong? If so is the duel scan a better catflap to get for all three cats?

  8. I live in an area where we get power cuts and blips. I would be interested to know if the Sureflap Connect with Hub would still work if I had a powercut which would mean the wifi would go down. Can it also be manually locked and opened? Thanks

  9. I would like to get a microchip cat flap. I bought the Sureflap basic model but have not installed it and am returning it due to the air gaps and expected drafts. The only reference to weather seal above is the Catmate one. Is the seal any good and is it the best one available?

    Thanks Jean

  10. Microchip cat flaps are a god send! My cat is terrible for popping in and out and meows like crazy for us to open the back door for her. We’re well trained, so end up acting as concierge every hour of the day. We got a basic SureFlap model last year and it’s fantastic. I want to upgrade to the hub bundle version now so it’s good to know they both fit in the same sized hole.

    1. Hi MaiseJ,

      They’re not too difficult to install, but unless you’re handy with DIY it would be best to hire a joiner to install your cat flap. They should be able to do it pretty quickly (and seamlessly). When we got ours installed it took less than an hour and was £60. Depending on where you want to install it (on a glass door for example), it might cost more and take longer. They’re pretty common jobs though so most tradesmen should be able to help you out.

  11. Thanks for this! I was never too sure about getting a cat flap installed (the neighbour’s cats are in our garden often enough so I’d rather they didn’t also come in the house!) but an automated cat flap sounds like just the business!

    1. Hi Susie,

      They are definitely handy to have! We’ve had regular cat flaps in the past and end up being visited from other cats on a regular basis (the neighbour’s Jack Russell even made an appearance once!). Getting the chip version made life a lot easier!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.