Best Microchip Cat Flap: How To Choose a Cat Door That's Right for You
- Abi
- September 7, 2022
- 3:54 pm
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You’ve decided you want to give your furry friend some freedom but are concerned about securing your home now that there is a hole in your door. Let’s look at the best microchip cat flap for your home!
A microchip cat flap can be an excellent option. Not only will it allow your cat to come and go freely, but it can also prevent unwanted guests from following them into the home.
This post will look at the best microchip catflap for your home. We’ll cover concerns, features, and even a list of top picks to help make this as smooth a decision as possible.
Cat Mate makes excellent quality cat flaps including the Elite Super Selective Microchip & I.D. Disc Cat Flap which can be programmed for up to nine cats. The cat flap is durable, easy to install, and keeps wildlife and other cats out!
The Benefits of a Microchip Cat Flap
If you’ve ever considered putting in a cat door or already have one, you may have experienced or heard stories about what can happen. These can range from hilarious to scary and usually involve a stray cat or wild animal getting in the house.
However, suppose you’re unfamiliar with a microchip cat flap. In that case, it can be helpful to know it can be an excellent way to secure your home while still giving Mr. Mittens the ability to get his outdoor exploration on. By utilizing the unique microchip placed under the skin, you can make the door only accessible to your cat.
Having a microchip cat flap can also be an excellent way to control when your cat gets to go outside. Because of its electronic nature, the cat flap can be:
- Programmed for certain times
- Connected to an app for remote control
- Help monitor pet routines
These features can be enough to give pet owners a level of comfort well above just having a hole and a flap in the door. Add this to preventing stray animals from getting inside your home, and you can see there are some great reasons to consider a cat flap that utilizes a microchip.
But you may be asking what makes the best microchip cat flap, our mini reviews will tell you everything you need to know.
Best Microchip Cat Flap
Here are some of the best microchip cat flaps available on Chewy:
The Cat Mate Elite Super Selective Microchip & I.D. Disc Cat Flap is the perfect way to keep unwanted cats and wildlife out of your home while allowing your cat free access. The door can be programmed to work with up to nine different microchips or I.D. discs, making it ideal for homes with multiple cats.
The flap also features a 4-way locking system, allowing you to choose whether your cat can come and go as they please or whether the door will remain locked at all times. You can also set the door to let your cat out but not back in again or if they are out in the evening, let your cats in and then lock them in for the night.
The timer-controlled function also allows you to set specific times when the door will open or close, giving you complete control over your cat’s comings and goings. The door is also draft-proof and sealed to keep out rain, making it ideal for use all year round.
Here’s what one four-star reviewer on Chewy has to say about this cat flap:
“The locking mechanism is enclosed within the plastic door. This means that my super smart cat cannot access the little rods that lock the door and thus open it at will like the last two doors we had, YAY!!”
Pros
- Door opens only when it detects your cat’s microchip
- Keeps unwanted cats and wildlife out of your home
- Can also be used with an I.D disc which you’ll need to buy separately
- Has a 4-way locking system; the ability to lock to keep your cat indoors
- Timer controlled
- Draft proof and sealed to keep out rain
- Has a magnet to securely close the flap
- Can be programmed to work with up to nine cats
- Has an LCD display which keeps track of each cat’s comings and goings
- Battery powered; requires 4AA batteries
- Dimensions: width 9.75 inches, height 10.375 inches
Cons
- The door mechanism makes a noise like an electric shaver as it opens, which can startle some cats. It may take time for your cat to get used to the noise.
- If your cat doesn’t have a microchip, you’ll need to buy the ID tags separately, adding to the cost.
- The instructions aren’t clear, and some pet owners have had problems programming the cat flap to work correctly.
The SureFlap Microchip Small Dog & Cat Door is a great way to keep unwanted animals out of your house. It is easy to program and has a curfew mode that can be used to recognize up to 32 pets.
This door is also lockable and easy to install on wooden doors, windows, or walls. Powered by batteries, it is available in a choice of two colors to match your door. The flap dimensions are 6.75 x 7 inches, making it an ideal product for cats and small dogs.
Here’s what a five-star reviewer has written on Chewy’s website:
“The door is working perfectly, and one by one, the regular space invaders learned they could no longer come in. The house feels better too, safer somehow. 10/10”
Pros
- Able to read the microchips on cats and small dogs
- Also works with an RFID collar tag ID (included in purchase)
- Keeps unwanted animals out of your house
- Easy to program; has a curfew mode
- Can be programmed to recognize up to 32 pets
- Lockable
- Easy to install on wooden doors, window or wall
- Powered by batteries (not included)
- Available in two colors
- Flap Dimensions: 6.75 x 7 inches
Cons
- The door is only available in one size, so is only suitable for smaller breeds of dogs
- Surprisingly loud, it may take your cat a while to get used to the sound
- There are some reports of the doors malfunctioning and not locking or opening at the correct times
The Cat Mate Microchip Cat Door is a great way to give your cat more freedom. The door works with your cat’s microchip or an ID tag, which makes it a great option for keeping unwanted animals out of your home.
The door is easy to install in doors, walls, or glass and can be programmed to work with up to 30 cats (Great if you’re running a pet sitting business or are a crazy cat person).
The four-way locking system and weather-proof brush seal make the door an excellent option for keeping your home sealed against the elements. This door also has a transparent flap which your cat will be able to see through, it’s made from durable materials, making it an excellent value for money. The flap dimensions are 5.5 x 6 inches, making it a great option for small to medium-sized cats.
One five-star review came up with an ingenious way of stopping his fat cat from eating the other cats food:
“I have two cats, one fat, the other skinny. After looking at the reviews for microchip feeders for skinny cats, I instead opted for this microchip cat door. I installed the cat door on a large storage bin and programmed it for skinny cat only. It works like a charm!”
Pros
- Allows your cat to have more freedom
- Works with your cats microchip or an ID tag which needs to be purchased separately
- Easy to install in doors, walls or glass
- Can be programmed to work with up to 30 cats
- Keeps unwanted animals out of your home
- Sealed with a weatherproof brush
- Magnetic closure
- Transparent flap made from durable materials
- Four-way locking system
- Great value for money, cheaper than comparable products
- Flap dimensions: 5.5 x 6 inches
Cons
- Raccoons may be able to work out how to get in through the cat door as they can lift the flap with their fingers
- The door is quite noisy, so your cat will need to get used to the sound
- Some cat owners have had problems programming the door and have experienced malfunctioning issues
The PetSafe 4-Way Locking Microchip Entry Cat Door is a great way to give your cat more freedom while keeping unwanted guests out. The door is programmed to respond to your cat’s microchip and has a 4-way manual lock so you can control your cat’s movements.
This cat flap requires 4 AA batteries, which will last for 12 months, and has an LCD screen with a low battery indicator. The door also has a magnetic closure to ensure the flap closes properly and is weatherproof and well-sealed. It’s easy to install and can be used on a wood or PVC door.
Pros
- Works well on wooden or PVC doors
- Programmed to respond to your cat’s microchip
- Has a 4-way manual lock so you can control your cats’ movements
- Magnetic door to ensure flap closes properly
- Weatherproof and well-sealed
- Door requires 4AA batteries, which will last 12 months
- LCD screen with low battery indicator
- Stops unwanted guests while giving your cat more freedom
- Reads up to 40 cat’s microchips
- Easy to install
Cons
- There are some reports that this cat flap only works with certain types of microchips.
- This product is only able to read the microchip from one side. It has a mechanical switch on the other side that can be set for the 4-way locking. This may be a problem if you have more than one cat and want only to let a specific cat outside.
- This cat flap is fairly small and isn’t suitable for larger breeds.
Best Microchip Cat Flap: Buyer's Guide
When browsing for the best microchip cat flap options, you will see that, like other items on the market, there are features, issues, and reasons to use the different versions.
Features
Many of the models will have similar features. Some of the most common ones are as follows.
4-Way Locking System
Many of the microchip cat flaps on the market will have a 4-way locking system. This system allows you to set the cat flap to allow access in, out, both, or neither.
Selective Entry/Exit
There is also a selective entry and exit feature. This feature, unlike the 4-way locking feature, allows you to select WHICH cats are allowed to exit or enter. By programming which chips to let in, out, or both, you can effectively manage who comes and goes.
Multiple Cat Recognition
Most models will recognize as many as 25 cats, some as many as 40. This feature makes these products a good choice for not just home applications but also an excellent option for cat rescue operations and pet boarding businesses.
Battery Operated
The ability to run on batteries and a battery life indicator makes it easy to monitor and maintain, with most models needing 4 AA batteries. Most batteries typically last 12 months but may need to be changed sooner if more cats use the door.
Problems with microchip cat flaps
Some of the most common issues with the microchip cat flaps are that they stop working. Having your cat stuck on one side of the flap when he wants to be on the other can be frustrating, so keeping an eye out for these common causes will help.
Battery Issues
Either misalignment or low battery life can cause the flap not to work correctly. Make sure to check the battery life and whether or not they are correctly seated.
Dirt/Grime
After some time, there may be hair and dirt build-up on the sensors, which can prevent the ability to read correctly.
Electrical Disturbances
Because the sensor that reads the microchip uses a sensitive signal receiver, flickering lights and other electrical disturbances can interfere with its ability to read the chip.
Types of Cat Flaps and Doors
So now that you know a little about what to look for with a microchip cat flap, we can compare them to the other types of cat flaps on the market.
Traditional
These are the original style of flaps. They can be locked, and some even have the 4-way lock feature. They are the cheapest option, come in multiple sizes, and don’t require any power. These models, however, do not have selective access, which can result in random animals accessing your home.
Magnetic
These are essentially the traditional cat flaps but with a lock that is deactivated by having your cat wear a collar with a magnet. These tend to be a little pricier than the traditional model and can be problematic if your pet removes the collar because of discomfort. In comparison, the microchip flap doesn’t require the collar and prevents the possibility of being locked out.
Related article: How to Fit a Cat flap in a Wooden Door
Electronic
These models use a collar sensor that can be RFID, infrared, or high-pitched sound sensors. Unfortunately, these sensors require both a battery for the sensor on the flap and the collar, making it essential to monitor the battery life of both items. The microchip, however, does not need a battery, simplifying the situation slightly.
Size of Cat
While looking for the best microchip cat flap, considering the size of your cat(s) will be a priority. Ensure your pet can comfortably get through the door to prevent the furry folk from becoming deterred from using the portal.
Cost
Like everything on the market, comparing to get the best bang for your buck will ensure you can get the features you want for the best price.
Ease of Installation
Something else to consider is how easy the flap is to install. A lengthy, confusing programming or installation process can be frustrating enough to deter even the most determined.
Anything Else To Consider?
A few things to also consider is whether or not this flap will be allowing your pet from room to room or outdoors. Will it be covered by a porch or directly in the elements? Deciding on how weather resistant the unit needs to be will prevent headaches down the road.
Best Microchip Cat Flap: FAQs
Here are some questions that cat owners may have about choosing a cat flap:
How do I keep my cat from getting stuck outside?
If you are using a microchip cat flap, you will want to ensure that your cat is chipped and that the chip is registered. If you are using another type of flap, you may want to consider a 4-way locking system that will allow you to lock the door in different ways, giving you full control over whether or not your pet can exit.
My cat is scratching at the door; how do I stop this?
If your cat is scratching at the door, it may be due to several reasons, such as wanting to get outside, being bored, or having separation anxiety.
The best way to stop the scratching is to figure out why they are doing it and address the root of the problem. If your cat is scratching because they want to get outside, giving them access to a cat flap may solve the issue. If the scratching is due to boredom or anxiety, you may consider getting them a scratching post or increasing their playtime.
Best Microchip Cat Flap: Conclusion
Now that you better understand some of the features and considerations, you’ll be able to decide which microchip cat flap is best for your home and pet. We’d like to recommend a product by Cat Mate. The company manufacture elite and budget microchip cat flap options.
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