One of the reasons cats are one of the country’s most loved pets is their independence. They come as go as they please and running to the door every time they want to be let back inside can be a bit frustrating for us humans. Many cat owners have started installing cat flaps to make your independent kitties free to roam as they please. Unfortunately, it also allows other stray animals to wander into your home. The solution to this is purchasing microchip cat flaps. Read through our reviews of the best cat door in the UK before making such an important decision that keeps your kitty both the security and freedom you both desire.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
Image Product Details
Best Overall
SureFlap Cat Flap with Microchip Identification
Sturdy
Simple design
4-way lock system
Check Price
Best Value
PetSafe Microchip Activated Cat Flap
Larger size
Draft resistance
Memory for 40 cats
Check Price
Premium Choice
Ferplast Swing Cat Flap with Microchip
Wind stopper
Last passage indicator
Includes pre-chipped collar
Check Price
Best for Kittens
Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap
LCD screen
Tracks cat locations
Used with all microchips
Check Price
PetSafe Staywell, Deluxe Infra-Red Cat Flap
Affordable
4-way lock
Includes infrared collar
Check Price
The 6 Best Microchip Cat Flaps in the UK – Reviews & Top Picks 2023
- SureFlap Cat Flap with Microchip Identification – Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Color: White, brown
Dimensions: 22.7 x 22.2 x 12.5 cm
Batteries: 4 AA batteries
We’ve found that SureFlap makes the best overall microchip cat flap in the UK. It has a sturdy and simple design that is easy for most people to install. It is also able to be fitted to windows, doors, and walls. The process of saving your cat’s chip data to the database gives clear instructions. If your cat isn’t microchipped, it’s possible to buy identity tags that can also be used. This cat flap is an excellent choice if you have more than one kitty roaming around the house. It holds up to 32 tags in its memory, including a 4-way lock that allows you to control if the flap moves out only, in only, both ways, or locks completely. The one downside is that it is on the smaller side and might not be suitable if you have larger cat breeds. Pros
Simple design
Sturdy
Easy to install
Memory for 32 cats
4-way lock system
Cons
Small
- PetSafe Microchip Activated Cat Flap – Best Value
Check Latest Price
Color: White, brown
Dimensions: 23.9 x 22 x 12.2 cm
Batteries: 4 AA batteries
PetSafe is a trusted brand when it comes to cat supplies. This product is like the SureFlap brand, but it is a little larger and more accommodating for some larger breeds. This flap memorized 40 different microchips. However, it doesn’t work with all the types that are made. This cat flap was designed with draft resistance to keep your heating bills through during the colder months of the year. The 4-way locking system is a bonus, but some users have trouble installing it. Still, this is one of the best microchip cat flaps in the UK for the money. Pros
Memory for 40 cats
Larger size
Draft resistance
4-way lock system
Cons
Complex installation
Not all microchips are compatible
- Ferplast Swing Cat Flap with Microchip – Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
Color: White, brown
Dimensions: 22.5 x 16.2 x 25.2 cm
Batteries: 6 AA batteries
Aside from being able to register up to 32 different cats and comes with a chipped collar, the biggest benefit to this microchip cat flap is that it was created to keep as much cold air out as possible. The design is a little bulky, which might not be ideal for everyone, but it does the best job of keeping your heating bill low. Not only does it have a 4-way lock system, but there is also an indicator that lets you know if your cat is currently inside or outside. Install this flap on wooden or glass doors and walls. If you don’t have experience installing these, it may be a bit more challenging for you. It does require more batteries but overall is a premium option. Pros
Includes pre-chipped collar
4-way lock
Last passage indicator
Wind stopper
Cons
Pricey
Bulky
Complex installation
- Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap – Best for Kittens
Check Latest Price
Color: White
Dimensions: 24.77 x 14.48 x 26.67 cm
Batteries: 4 AA batteries
We’ve found that this Cat Mate Elite microchip cat flap is the best for kittens because it keeps track of which animals are inside and which are outside, as well as having a built-in timer to give you more control over when the cats are allowed to go outside. The design features an LCD screen and a 4-way lock. Unfortunately, it only has enough memory for 9 cats at a time. It is a little more expensive than other options as well, which isn’t ideal since the flap has reports of getting stuck occasionally. Still, it has anti-draft and weather-resistant seals to stay energy efficient. Pros
LCD screen
Tracks cat locations
Used with all microchips
Energy efficient
Cons
Expensive
Only memorized 9 cats
Sticky door
- PetSafe Staywell, Deluxe Infra-Red Cat Flap
Check Latest Price
Color: White
Dimensions: 24.4 x 10.7 x 25.7 cm
Batteries: Included in collar
This product isn’t a traditional microchip cat flat. Instead, it comes with an infrared collar that your cat must wear to move in and out of the house. This is ideal for those who have cats without microchips. Plus, additional collars are available for purchase separately. If the key is lost, there is the potential that your cat will get stuck outside. It contains a manual 4-way lock, but the door makes a loud noise some cats may be afraid of. Pros
Affordable
Includes infrared collar
4-way lock
Cons
Noisy
Not microchip compatible
Cats could get locked out
- SureFlap Dual Scan Microchip Cat Flap
Check Latest Price
Color: White
Dimensions: 21 x 21 x 14.8 cm
Batteries: 4 AA batteries
This SureFlap cat flap is a little more high-tech than some of the others on the list because it allows you to choose which of the 32 microchips are granted access to the outdoors. While this level of control is excellent for some, the high price of the flap isn’t worth it for others. You might also have to train them to use it because the cats must have their necks close to the sensor to be recognized. Sometimes the sensor isn’t the most reliable either. Still, the batteries last for up to a year, and it is still a great option if you want more control of their movements. Pros
Memory for 32 cats
Control which cats come and go
12 months of battery power
Cons
Expensive
Requires some training
Unreliable sensor
Buyer’s Guide Having a traditional cat flap usually means homeowners must shoo away any uninvited cats that help themselves to your home. It’s sometimes amusing but safer if your pet has a more secure door to come through. While you want them to have freedom, you also don’t want to put them in dangerous situations. Look for cat flaps with a secure design and gives you as much control over their whereabouts as possible. Why Won’t My Cat Use the Flap? Cats don’t like change, and they don’t always take well to things they aren’t used to. Microchip cat flaps usually make noise when the door opens. This noise could be scaring them away. Try giving your cats special attention around the door to let them know it’s safe. Once they become accustomed to the sound, you can start trying to train them to move through it. Use treats as a positive reinforcement whenever they get close or begin to move through the entryway. Some cats have a harder time understanding than others. This training process takes a lot of patience at times but will pay off in the end. Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
Conclusion We hope these reviews of cat flaps in the UK have made buying process a little easier. Between all the options, we have found that the best overall is the SureFlap cat flap, the best value is the PetSafe microchip flap, and the premium choice is the Ferplast Swing flap. Now that we’ve laid out the pros and cons of each, deciding which one is right for you should be a breeze.
Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
One of the reasons cats are one of the country’s most loved pets is their independence. They come as go as they please and running to the door every time they want to be let back inside can be a bit frustrating for us humans. Many cat owners have started installing cat flaps to make your independent kitties free to roam as they please. Unfortunately, it also allows other stray animals to wander into your home. The solution to this is purchasing microchip cat flaps. Read through our reviews of the best cat door in the UK before making such an important decision that keeps your kitty both the security and freedom you both desire.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
Image Product Details
Best Overall
SureFlap Cat Flap with Microchip Identification
Sturdy
Simple design
4-way lock system
Check Price
Best Value
PetSafe Microchip Activated Cat Flap
Larger size
Draft resistance
Memory for 40 cats
Check Price
Premium Choice
Ferplast Swing Cat Flap with Microchip
Wind stopper
Last passage indicator
Includes pre-chipped collar
Check Price
Best for Kittens
Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap
LCD screen
Tracks cat locations
Used with all microchips
Check Price
PetSafe Staywell, Deluxe Infra-Red Cat Flap
Affordable
4-way lock
Includes infrared collar
Check Price
The 6 Best Microchip Cat Flaps in the UK – Reviews & Top Picks 2023
- SureFlap Cat Flap with Microchip Identification – Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Color: White, brown
Dimensions: 22.7 x 22.2 x 12.5 cm
Batteries: 4 AA batteries
We’ve found that SureFlap makes the best overall microchip cat flap in the UK. It has a sturdy and simple design that is easy for most people to install. It is also able to be fitted to windows, doors, and walls. The process of saving your cat’s chip data to the database gives clear instructions. If your cat isn’t microchipped, it’s possible to buy identity tags that can also be used.
Check Latest Price
Color: White, brown
Dimensions: 22.7 x 22.2 x 12.5 cm
Batteries: 4 AA batteries
This cat flap is an excellent choice if you have more than one kitty roaming around the house. It holds up to 32 tags in its memory, including a 4-way lock that allows you to control if the flap moves out only, in only, both ways, or locks completely. The one downside is that it is on the smaller side and might not be suitable if you have larger cat breeds.
Pros
Simple design
Sturdy
Easy to install
Memory for 32 cats
4-way lock system
Cons
Small
- PetSafe Microchip Activated Cat Flap – Best Value
Check Latest Price
Color: White, brown
Dimensions: 23.9 x 22 x 12.2 cm
Batteries: 4 AA batteries
PetSafe is a trusted brand when it comes to cat supplies. This product is like the SureFlap brand, but it is a little larger and more accommodating for some larger breeds. This flap memorized 40 different microchips. However, it doesn’t work with all the types that are made.
Simple design
Sturdy
Easy to install
Memory for 32 cats
4-way lock system
- Simple design
- Sturdy
- Easy to install
- Memory for 32 cats
- 4-way lock system
Small
- Small
Color: White, brown
Dimensions: 23.9 x 22 x 12.2 cm
Batteries: 4 AA batteries
This cat flap was designed with draft resistance to keep your heating bills through during the colder months of the year. The 4-way locking system is a bonus, but some users have trouble installing it. Still, this is one of the best microchip cat flaps in the UK for the money.
Pros
Memory for 40 cats
Larger size
Draft resistance
4-way lock system
Cons
Complex installation
Not all microchips are compatible
- Ferplast Swing Cat Flap with Microchip – Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
Color: White, brown
Dimensions: 22.5 x 16.2 x 25.2 cm
Batteries: 6 AA batteries
Aside from being able to register up to 32 different cats and comes with a chipped collar, the biggest benefit to this microchip cat flap is that it was created to keep as much cold air out as possible. The design is a little bulky, which might not be ideal for everyone, but it does the best job of keeping your heating bill low. Not only does it have a 4-way lock system, but there is also an indicator that lets you know if your cat is currently inside or outside.
Memory for 40 cats
Larger size
Draft resistance
4-way lock system
- Memory for 40 cats
- Larger size
- Draft resistance
- 4-way lock system
Complex installation
Not all microchips are compatible
- Complex installation
- Not all microchips are compatible
Color: White, brown
Dimensions: 22.5 x 16.2 x 25.2 cm
Batteries: 6 AA batteries
Install this flap on wooden or glass doors and walls. If you don’t have experience installing these, it may be a bit more challenging for you. It does require more batteries but overall is a premium option.
Pros
Includes pre-chipped collar
4-way lock
Last passage indicator
Wind stopper
Cons
Pricey
Bulky
Complex installation
- Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap – Best for Kittens
Check Latest Price
Color: White
Dimensions: 24.77 x 14.48 x 26.67 cm
Batteries: 4 AA batteries
We’ve found that this Cat Mate Elite microchip cat flap is the best for kittens because it keeps track of which animals are inside and which are outside, as well as having a built-in timer to give you more control over when the cats are allowed to go outside. The design features an LCD screen and a 4-way lock. Unfortunately, it only has enough memory for 9 cats at a time. It is a little more expensive than other options as well, which isn’t ideal since the flap has reports of getting stuck occasionally. Still, it has anti-draft and weather-resistant seals to stay energy efficient.
Includes pre-chipped collar
4-way lock
Last passage indicator
Wind stopper
- Includes pre-chipped collar
- 4-way lock
- Last passage indicator
- Wind stopper
Pricey
Bulky
Complex installation
- Pricey
- Bulky
- Complex installation
Color: White
Dimensions: 24.77 x 14.48 x 26.67 cm
Batteries: 4 AA batteries
Pros
LCD screen
Tracks cat locations
Used with all microchips
Energy efficient
Cons
Expensive
Only memorized 9 cats
Sticky door
- PetSafe Staywell, Deluxe Infra-Red Cat Flap
Check Latest Price
Color: White
Dimensions: 24.4 x 10.7 x 25.7 cm
Batteries: Included in collar
This product isn’t a traditional microchip cat flat. Instead, it comes with an infrared collar that your cat must wear to move in and out of the house. This is ideal for those who have cats without microchips. Plus, additional collars are available for purchase separately. If the key is lost, there is the potential that your cat will get stuck outside. It contains a manual 4-way lock, but the door makes a loud noise some cats may be afraid of.
LCD screen
Tracks cat locations
Used with all microchips
Energy efficient
- LCD screen
- Tracks cat locations
- Used with all microchips
- Energy efficient
Expensive
Only memorized 9 cats
Sticky door
- Expensive
- Only memorized 9 cats
- Sticky door
Color: White
Dimensions: 24.4 x 10.7 x 25.7 cm
Batteries: Included in collar
Pros
Affordable
Includes infrared collar
4-way lock
Cons
Noisy
Not microchip compatible
Cats could get locked out
- SureFlap Dual Scan Microchip Cat Flap
Check Latest Price
Color: White
Dimensions: 21 x 21 x 14.8 cm
Batteries: 4 AA batteries
This SureFlap cat flap is a little more high-tech than some of the others on the list because it allows you to choose which of the 32 microchips are granted access to the outdoors. While this level of control is excellent for some, the high price of the flap isn’t worth it for others. You might also have to train them to use it because the cats must have their necks close to the sensor to be recognized. Sometimes the sensor isn’t the most reliable either. Still, the batteries last for up to a year, and it is still a great option if you want more control of their movements.
Affordable
Includes infrared collar
4-way lock
- Affordable
- Includes infrared collar
- 4-way lock
Noisy
Not microchip compatible
Cats could get locked out
- Noisy
- Not microchip compatible
- Cats could get locked out
Color: White
Dimensions: 21 x 21 x 14.8 cm
Batteries: 4 AA batteries
Pros
Memory for 32 cats
Control which cats come and go
12 months of battery power
Cons
Expensive
Requires some training
Unreliable sensor
Memory for 32 cats
Control which cats come and go
12 months of battery power
- Memory for 32 cats
- Control which cats come and go
- 12 months of battery power
Expensive
Requires some training
Unreliable sensor
- Expensive
- Requires some training
- Unreliable sensor
Buyer’s Guide
Having a traditional cat flap usually means homeowners must shoo away any uninvited cats that help themselves to your home. It’s sometimes amusing but safer if your pet has a more secure door to come through. While you want them to have freedom, you also don’t want to put them in dangerous situations. Look for cat flaps with a secure design and gives you as much control over their whereabouts as possible.
Why Won’t My Cat Use the Flap?
Cats don’t like change, and they don’t always take well to things they aren’t used to. Microchip cat flaps usually make noise when the door opens. This noise could be scaring them away. Try giving your cats special attention around the door to let them know it’s safe. Once they become accustomed to the sound, you can start trying to train them to move through it. Use treats as a positive reinforcement whenever they get close or begin to move through the entryway. Some cats have a harder time understanding than others. This training process takes a lot of patience at times but will pay off in the end.
Conclusion
We hope these reviews of cat flaps in the UK have made buying process a little easier. Between all the options, we have found that the best overall is the SureFlap cat flap, the best value is the PetSafe microchip flap, and the premium choice is the Ferplast Swing flap. Now that we’ve laid out the pros and cons of each, deciding which one is right for you should be a breeze.
Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
