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10 Best Microchip Cat Flaps in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Jessica Kim

Last Updated on September 20, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

tabby european shorthair cat entering the room through cat flap It may not be possible for your cat to be trusted with their own front door key, but a microchipped cat flap is a close alternative. Since most cats are microchipped for safety, a cat flap with its own microchip installed will act as your cat’s personal entrance to your home. A normal cat flap allows your cat easy entrance and exit to the house, but unfortunately, it also allows other stray cats and wild animals the same privilege. A microchipped flap will stop other neighborhood felines from getting in your house and fighting with your cat and stop wild animals from stealing their food.

A microchipped flap offers a host of other benefits too, like time-control settings to keep your cat on a curfew and programable features to allow multiple cats access to your home.

While this technology has been around for some time now, the available features and functions are getting more complex, so it can be confusing to find the right one. That’s why we put together this list of in-depth reviews. Hopefully, they will help you narrow down the vast array of available options and find the right microchip cat flap to suit your feline’s unique needs.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
PetSafe Locking Microchip Entry Cat Door PetSafe Locking Microchip Entry Cat Door
  • Can store up to 40 microchip numbers
  • 4-way locking system
  • Long battery life
  • Best Overall
    Second place
    Cat Mate Elite ID Disc Cat Flap Cat Mate Elite ID Disc Cat Flap
  • Has 4-way locking system
  • Built-in timer for automatic locking and unlocking
  • Can identify up to nine cats
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    High Tech Pet Products Wi-Fi Controlled High Tech Pet Products Wi-Fi Controlled
  • Can be installed on multiple types of surfaces
  • Operates on a rechargeable battery
  • Control locking system through phone app
  • Best For Kittens
    SureFlap DualScan Microchip Cat Door SureFlap DualScan Microchip Cat Door
  • Can be installed on wood, glass, and walls
  • Can set up individual exit settings
  • Opens with both a microchip or an ID tag
  • High Tech Pet Products Automatic Pet Door High Tech Pet Products Automatic Pet Door
  • Made with bulletproof resin
  • Has an automatic deadbolt locking feature
  • Can change the distance the sensor detects an ID collar
  • The 10 Best Microchip Cat Flaps

    1. PetSafe Locking Microchip Entry Cat Door – Best Overall

    PetSafe Locking Microchip Entry Cat Door

    Flap Dimensions: 5” W x 5.9” H
    Microchip Compatibility: Most common microchips
    Cat Limit: 40 cats

    The PetSafe 4-Way Locking Microchip Entry Cat Door is the best overall cat flap that’ll keep your cat safe while keeping other animals out of your house. It works by scanning your cat’s microchip and can store up to 40 different microchip numbers. It has a 4-way locking system that allows you to keep the door unlocked or locked, and you can also configure it to allow entries or exits only.

    This cat flap runs on AA batteries and has a long battery life of 12 months for regular use. It has a light indicator that flashes when it’s time to change out the batteries so that you don’t have to worry about your cat getting locked out due to power issues. You can install this cat flap on just about any type of surface, including wood, PVC, metal, vinyl, and fiberglass. It just can’t be installed on glass surfaces.

    Pros
    • Can store up to 40 microchip numbers
    • 4-way locking system
    • Long battery life
    • Installable on multiple surfaces
    Cons
    • Can’t install in glass

    2. Cat Mate Elite ID Disc Cat Flap – Best Value

    Cat Mate Elite ID Disc Cat Flap

    Flap Dimensions: 7” W x 8” H
    Microchip Compatibility: ID discs
    Cat Limit: 9 cats

    The Cat Mate Elite Super Selective ID Disc Cat Flap covers all the basic functions and is the best cat flap for the money. Similar to the PetSafe 4-Way Locking Microchip Entry Cat Door, this cat flap also has a 4-way locking system that allows you to choose between keeping the flap unlocked and locked and allowing entries or exits only. It comes with a built-in timer that enables you to schedule automatic door locking and unlocking.

    The door flap gets activated by an ID disc. The ID discs can be attached to your cat’s collar, and the door’s sensor can identify up to nine different discs. It’s important to point out that this cat flap doesn’t read microchips. It’s activated by the ID discs, so you have to make sure your cat’s collar and the ID disc have a secure fit around your cat to ensure they don’t get lost.

    Pros
    • Has 4-way locking system
    • Built-in timer for automatic locking and unlocking
    • Can identify up to nine cats
    Cons
    • Doesn’t read microchips

    3. High Tech Pet Products Pet Door, Wi-Fi Controlled – Premium Choice

    High Tech Pet Products Pet Door, Wi-Fi Controlled

    Flap Dimensions: 25” W x 10” H
    Microchip Compatibility: M5 collar
    Cat Limit: N/A

    The High Tech Pet Products Power Pet Door offers safety and convenience with its advanced entry system. It works by detecting any pets that are wearing the compatible M5 collar, and it won’t react to any other animals that aren’t registered in its system.

    This cat flap can be installed on doors and walls, and you can purchase a separate insert that’s designed for sliding glass patio doors. It operates on a rechargeable battery, so you don’t have to worry about battery replacements. However, you’ll have to make sure that a power source is nearby so you can plug it into its adapter when the battery is on low energy.

    The cat flap offers extra convenience by connecting to your home Wi-Fi, and it has an app that enables you to control its locking system. You can also set up an unlimited amount of timers through the app and choose to receive notifications whenever your pets use the door.

    Pros
    • Can be installed on multiple types of surfaces
    • Operates on a rechargeable battery
    • Control locking system through phone app
    • Unlimited timer settings
    Cons
    • Must have power source nearby

    4. SureFlap DualScan Microchip Cat Door – Best for Kittens

    SureFlap DualScan Microchip Cat Door

    Flap Dimensions: 625” W x 4.75” H
    Microchip Compatibility: All common microchips
    Cat Limit: 32 cats

    This cat flap has a simple and straightforward design. It’s easy to install and can be installed on wooden doors, glass, and walls. You can set up exit permissions for 32 individual cats and register your kitten’s microchip with just a touch of a button. If your kitten isn’t microchipped, you can have them wear a SureFlap RFID Collar Tag.

    The cat flap has DualScan Technology, which enables individualized entry and exit permissions. So, if you have multiple cats, you can program the door to open for certain cats while remaining locked for others. These individualized settings can ensure your kitten stays safe indoors and prevent any wildlife from entering indoors. Just keep in mind that the flap is relatively small, and larger cat breeds may not be able to walk through it as they grow and mature.

    Pros
    • Can be installed on wood, glass, and walls
    • Can set up individual exit settings
    • Opens with both a microchip or an ID tag
    Cons
    • Flap may be too small for larger cat breeds

    5. High Tech Pet Products Fully Automatic Pet Door

    High Tech Pet Products Fully Automatic Pet Door

    Flap Dimensions: 25” W x 10” H
    Microchip Compatibility: ID discs
    Cat Limit: N/A

    The High Tech Pet Products PX-1 Power Pet Fully Automatic Pet Door is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a door that prioritizes and excels in safety features. It’s made with bulletproof resin and has an automatic deadbolt locking feature. It has a kick-proof design that keeps it securely in place after it’s been installed, and it’s also airtight, weatherproof, and windproof.

    Only pets that are wearing an M5 ID collar are allowed to enter and exit through the door. You can adjust the distance that the door’s sensor detects an ID collar before the flap unlocks. However, it doesn’t have a timer, and you have to turn the locking mechanism on and off manually.

    Pros
    • Made with bulletproof resin
    • Has an automatic deadbolt locking feature
    • Can change the distance the sensor detects an ID collar
    Cons
    • No timer to schedule locking and unlocking the flap

    6. Ferplast Cat Flap With Microchip

    Ferplast Cat Flap With Microchip

    Flap Dimensions: 7” W x 7.8” H
    Microchip Compatibility: Most common microchips
    Cat Limit: 30 cats

    The Ferplast Cat Flap With Microchip is fast and easy to install. It can register up to 30 different microchips, and it will open if it detects a compatible ID tag nearby. So, it can still be used if your cat hasn’t been microchipped. The flap has a 4-way closing system that includes entry-only and exit-only options. The door installation also has a Wind Stopper System that keeps cold outdoor air out.

    There are a couple of disadvantages to consider with this cat flap. It doesn’t have a timer system, so you’ll have to lock and unlock the flap manually by pressing a button. The flap is also on the smaller side, so it may not be big enough for larger cat breeds to walk through. However, if these factors aren’t much of an issue for you, this cat flap is a reliable and fairly affordable option to consider.

    Pros
    • Can register up to 30 microchips
    • Comes with an ID tag for unmicrochipped cats
    • Has a 4-way entry system
    Cons
    • No timer for automatic locking and unlocking
    • Flap may be too small for larger cats

    7. SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect Without Hub

    SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect Without Hub

    Flap Dimensions: 68” W x 7” H
    Microchip Compatibility: Most common US microchips
    Cat Limit: 32 cats

    The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect ensures that you stay connected with your pets no matter where you are. It works in tandem with a SureFlap Hub, which connects to your Wi-Fi and enables you to track your cat’s activity. The accompanying phone app can also let you set up curfew times and lock and unlock the flap remotely.

    The door is large enough for larger cat breeds and small dogs to enter through. It can read most types of microchips, or you can have your cat wear a SureFlap RFID Collar Tag if they’re not microchipped. It’s powered by C-cell batteries, but keep in mind that it has a relatively shorter battery life and can last for about 6 months.

    Pros
    • Phone app enables remote locking and unlocking
    • Can set up curfew times
    • Flap is large enough for large cat breeds
    Cons
    • Relatively short battery life

    8. SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap

    SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap

    Flap Dimensions: 625” W x 4.75” H
    Microchip Compatibility: Most common US microchips
    Cat Limit: 32 cats

    The SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap can identify up to 32 different microchips. It can read most of the common microchips used in the US, including Avid Secure, FDXA, and FDXB microchip numbers.  You can also purchase a separate ID collar if your cat doesn’t have a compatible microchip.

    This cat flap comes with different accessories that enable it to be installed on multiple surfaces, including glass. Once it’s been set up, it just takes a quick push of a button to register your cat’s microchip into the scanning system. It runs on AA batteries and can operate for about 12 months. A light will flash once it’s time to change out the batteries.

    Overall, this cat flap has a very convenient design. The only setback is that it doesn’t have a timer that automatically locks and unlocks the flap. So, you’ll have to remember to adjust the lock setting whenever you want to change it.

    Pros
    • Can read most common US microchips
    • Can install on multiple types of surfaces
    • Batteries last for 12 months
    Cons
    • No timer settings for automatic locking and unlocking

    9. Cat Mate Microchip Activated Cat Door

    Cat Mate Microchip Activated Cat Door

    Flap Dimensions: 875” W x 7.75” H
    Microchip Compatibility: 15-digit ISO, AVIDXX, AVID Encrypted, and other common US microchips
    Cat Limit: 30 cats

    The Cat Mate Microchip Activated Cat Door is another budget-friendly option. It does have some limitations, such as not having pre-set timers that automatically unlock and lock the flap. It’s also on the smaller side. However, it’s super quick and easy to install, and you can purchase an adapter if you need to install it on a metal door. The frame is made with durable polymer and does a good job of keeping cold air out. It can memorize up to 30 different microchip codes and comes with an ID tag that cats without a microchip can wear.

    Pros
    • Quick and easy installation
    • Can mount onto metal doors with an adapter
    • Made with durable polymer
    Cons
    • No timer for automatic locking and unlocking
    • May be too small for larger cats

    10. PetSafe SmartDoor

    PetSafe, SmartDoor, Selective Entry, Automatic Locking, Multi Key, Energy Efficient, Programmable Pet Door - Large

    Flap Dimensions: 16” W x 23.6” H
    Microchip Compatibility: SmartKeys ID tags
    Cat Limit: 5 cats

    This PetSafe SmartDoor is a bit larger than your typical cat flap, so it’s an excellent choice for larger cats. It doesn’t read microchips. Instead, it identifies pets that wear compatible SmartKeys ID tags and can remember up to five different SmartKeys ID tags. The flap has basic programming, and you can choose to have it locked or unlocked. It has a weather-resistant seal that helps keep cold drafts and moisture out.

    It’s important to note that this cat flap has just the basic features of an electronic cat flap and is best for those who are just looking for a simple and reliable entry system for their cats. It’s also meant to be installed on doors and isn’t wide enough for walls.

    Pros
    • Big enough for larger cats
    • Can be programmed to stay locked or unlocked
    • Has a weather-resistant seal
    Cons
    • Only registers up to 5 pets
    • Cannot install into walls

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    Buyers Guide: How to Find the Best Microchip Cat Flaps

    A microchip cat flap is a great way to control your cat’s movements and prevent strays or other small animals from entering your house. The premise of a microchip cat flap is simple: The flap will open only when the sensor reads your cat’s implanted RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip or a compatible collar-tag chip. This microchip acts like your cat’s personal house key, letting them come and go as they please, and it can be programmed by you, to allow your cat freedom of movement through the flap that you are in full control of. Some units also have built-in timers and programable functions that you can customize for different cats.

    There are several features to consider in a microchip cat flap, and the more bells and whistles that the flap has, the more it will cost, but the more functionality it will have too.

    Why Buy a Microchip Cat Flap?

    A microchip cat flap has several benefits over a traditional flap:

    • It can stop your cat from going outside if it is unwell or injured.
    • It will help you monitor your cat’s feeding habits.
    • It can stop other unwanted cats from entering your home.
    • It can keep your cat inside/outside when you are out at work.

    Size and Installation

    While most available cat flaps are large enough to fit most average-sized cats, this is the first box you’ll need to check before buying. If you have large cats, they may not fit through some of the available models.

    Most cat flaps are easy to install in wood or PVC doors, but most will require additional parts if you want to install the flap in a window, wall, or metal door. The flap should also be as strong as possible, as cats are clever and determined animals. The lock on the flap door should be strong enough so your cat cannot slip their paw through and force the door open.

    british shorthair cat entering the room by passing through a catflap in a window
    Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

    Selective Entry and Exit

    A selective entry function on your microchip cat flap is a given, and all available models will usually have this feature. It will only allow cats who have had their microchip programmed into the flap’s database to enter through the flap.

    A selective exit is not on all models of microchip cat flaps but is a useful feature if you have more than one cat. It allows you to program which of your cats can go out, which is perfect if you also have kittens or older cats that need to be kept inside.

    Power

    Most microchip cat flaps run on battery power and can usually last up to a year before the batteries need to be replaced. Bear in mind that some models will reset when you change out the batteries and will need to be reprogrammed with your cat’s chip again. Mains-powered flaps will mitigate this problem, as well as prevent the chances of batteries on the flap running out while you are not around. These models are far more complicated to install, though, and will also have messy power supply cords that you’ll need to conceal.

    Noise

    Most cats will need to be trained to use the flap, and this should be done slowly to avoid scaring them off. Another important consideration is how much noise the flap makes. Some flaps have a loud locking/unlocking mechanism, and this can easily scare your cats off from using them.

    Additional features

    More expensive microchip cat flaps have unique additional features that are worth considering, including:

    • Timer Function. This is a great feature that prevents you from having to manually program the flap at different times of the day. You can program the flap to change entry/exit options depending on your needs. For example, you could program the timer to let your cats in throughout the day and keep them from exiting at night.
    • This feature will allow you to keep track of how frequently your cat enters and exits through the flap and when it was last used.
    • Weather seals. This is a common feature on most flaps, though some are better than others. The door should be sealed thoroughly to prevent wind and rain from entering through the flap.
    • Collar RFID option. This is an essential feature if you have a cat without an implanted microchip. It allows you to purchase an additional tag that can be placed on your cat’s collar, to allow them the use of the flap.

    Our Microchip Cat Flaps Selection Process

    Catster’s dedicated team of writers and editors collaborate with expert veterinarians, considering a wide range of factors when selecting the best microchip flaps for cats. These parameters include customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, and in some cases, hands-on testing. Of course, our cats have a say in the process, too! We strive to select and review the highest-quality products available, to help you choose the best possible product and make the most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.

    Why Trust Catster?

    Catster has been a trusted online brand since 2001, so we know a thing or two about microchip cat flaps. We’re a team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians dedicated to helping you make the most informed decision for your feline. We deeply believe in providing the best information for cat owners to help their cats live their best life possible. We look at reviews from the most trusted sources available, and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options on the market. Our team is invested in the welfare and health of cats around the world, and believe that expert knowledge is one of the best ways to achieve this.

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    Conclusion

    We hope our reviews helped you find a great microchip cat flap option for your home. For the best overall option, we like the PetSafe 4-Way Locking Microchip Entry Cat Door. For the best microchip cat flap for the money, the Cat Mate Elite Super Selective ID Disc Cat Flap is a good option. If you want a premium option, check out the High Tech Pet Products Power Pet Door, Wi-Fi Smartphone Controlled.

    See also:


    Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

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