Which microchip cat flap is better

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. The breed is big-boned and muscular, measuring over three feet long.

The cat flap works like any other microchip offering to keep intruders out, but its flap is bigger, measuring seven inches across and 6. 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! The pet door runs on four C-cell batteries, which typically last for up to 12 months but are not the easiest to find. In short, it bridges the gap between a standard microchip cat flap and one of the all-singing, all-dancing models. The gadget has a timer function and four-way lock to help you keep your cats in at night, for example.

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.

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 the ultimate security from unwanted pests in your home.

The size of the flap is x mm 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. 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. A great option for any pet parent looking for the security of a microchip cat flap without actually having to get your kitty chipped.

We love how easy it is to install this flap, with simple instructions and do-it-yourself installation, you can fit it into standard-sized paneled, wood, metal, and PVC doors. The smart door comes in two sizes, a small just for cats or a larger size if you have both feline furkids and canine companions in your family. One important thing to consider is the dimensions of the cat flap itself and whether it is suitable to be installed in your home. Some require extra accessories to be fitted in walls and windows, for example, and some models are easier to set up than others.

Another practicality that could narrow the choice is whether a brand supports a microchip, if your cat already has one. This is really important. However, many models include the ability to use timers and set curfews, making them great value for money, and most can be used in multi-cat households. Sarah is a freelance journalist specialising in science and nature.

Having spent years in national newspaper newsrooms, she escaped to Cornwall and hopes to explore the beaches with a rescue dog soon. Group 30 Created with Sketch. Group 29 Created with Sketch. Included in this guide: 1. Specifications Flap dimensions: 5. Security: Magnetic plus rotary lock. Multi-cat: Up to As shop around, you'll notice there's one brand that stands out in the category: Sureflap.

Their connected pet products are reliable and come with all the right specs to make your life as a pet owner much easier. When deciding between their models, you'll find that while they all help you control your kitty's movements, their key differences are cost, size, and features, like a curfew setting, or the ability to program different allowances for individual pets in multi-cat households.

The more you're willing to pay, the more programming options you'll get. Next, you'll want to pay attention to the door's frame and flap dimensions so that you can be confident you're getting the right fit for both you and your furball.

Whatever your cat's and your needs are, you'll find one of the best cat doors that's the right fit for both of you, below! This SureFlap microchip door comes with everything you need to give your cat more independence. It's compatible with all microchips and can also be used with RFID collar tags. The door can store up to 32 IDs. There are four manually set programs to choose from: locked, unlocked, enter only, and exit only.

This pick can be installed in most wooden and plastic doors — or plasterboard walls — and comes with all necessary hardware. Just note that for walls thicker than 2. It requires four AA batteries not included for operation, and there is a power indicator to let you know when batteries need to be replaced. Bonus: If you're planning to install your pet door on a darker wooden surface, you may prefer the brown version of this same model instead.

Check Price. As the largest one on the market, the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door is perfect for bigger cats that may struggle to squeeze through smaller models. Just click the button to add them and up to 31 others to the database. The sensor requires that your cat comes quite close to the door before it is unlocked. Also, the loud click might startle timid kitties.

Set the timer control to whenever you wish to keep your cat indoors, and the pet door will lock at that time. You can also manually set a 4-way lock to prevent your cat from going back outside once they have come in. Some customers have complained that this door lets cold air into the house during winter. Therefore, the draught excluder might need improvement.

However, this model is a little larger and can be programmed with up to 40 different microchips. This product features extreme draft resistance with double magnetic closing points and a dedicated draught excluder for ultimate energy efficiency. In line with other products in this review, it allows for manual 4-way locking. This helps you to have total control over when your kitty goes outside to roam, so you can keep them safely inside when required. Register up to 32 different cats and most regular microchips are recognised.

The main benefit of this is the unique wind stopper which helps keep cold air out. This product has numerous options to help you control the freedom of your cat. This cat flap can be installed in wooden or glass doors and walls. Some customers have commented that the instructions are not particularly detailed. In line with other cat flaps in this review, it is battery operated and features a handy low power battery indicator. This nifty addition enables you to quickly see which of your cats is currently outside, and which are safely indoors.

You can also see the time they last used the flap, helping you easily estimate when they are likely to return home. However, there is no option to let some kitties out and not others. The flap can be quite noisy too, so some cats may not like it.

Register up to 9 cats with this cat flap. The screen can show you the indoor or outdoor status of three cats at any one time. It is compatible with all widely used microchips. As well as a super-useful screen, the Cat Mate Elite also has a built-in timer function , offering you flexible control over when your cats can go outside.

This is great if you get home late from work and want to ensure they are tucked up indoors on your return. If you are at home and want to quickly prevent your kitties from leaving again, you can use the manual 4-way lock. On some occasions though, the flap can lock too soon and get stuck open. The Sureflap Cat Flap is a game-changer for multi-cat households, up to 32 cats. This high tech cat flap allows you to easily pick and choose which of your beloved pets can access the great outdoors.

This level of control is perfect if you have young cats or sick animals that you need to keep indoors, but also own other kitties which you need to let out. The technology works very well, for the most part. Some users have said the sensor can be a little unreliable, refusing exit rights to approved cats on occasion. Furthermore, this has a built-in safety feature that will allow indoor cats back into the house should they exit by other means.

Once they are back inside, the flap will again deny them from returning outdoors. This Sureflap Cat Flap may take a little getting used to, as your cat has to place his neck high against the sensor to activate it. On rare occasions, intelligent kitties can force their way out by pushing on the catch and then pulling the flap towards them. Two programmable RFID tags are included. If you have a large furry family, it can be used with up to 9 cats in total.

Unlike some other RFID cat flaps, this has selective entry allows the user to choose which cats can exit and which cannot. You can also set the timer function so your cats can only go outside during certain times of the day. In addition, this flap has a 4-way manual lock for ultimate control.

One of our favourite features of this model is the LCD screen. Here, you can easily see which of your cats is indoors, and which one is out on an adventure.