Some users of the Cat Mate have reported positive experiences with the product, stating that it is easy to install and program with their cats’ microchips. They also appreciate that it keeps other cats out of their homes, helping to eliminate unwanted spraying and odours. Other users report that the product is well-made and effective in keeping unwanted animals out. You can either have an external power source for the cat flap, or it can be battery powered. There are pros and cons to each - but batteries are often considered better overall as it gives you maximum flexibility over where to place the flap, there’s no chance of creating trip hazards with wires, and they’ll keep working even if the power supply is otherwise interrupted. If you do decide to go for a battery-powered cat flap, you might want to look for one which offers an indicator as to when the battery is running low so you can recharge or replace the batteries. This microchip cat flap can memorise up to 40 microchips, making it a great option for cat owners with multiple cats. It’s battery operated, and you’ll need to supply the four AA batteries yourself. Additionally, this particular cat flat gives a lot of freedom in terms of installation. It can be fitted into a door, window or wall. It requires four AA batteries, and they’ll last for approximately 12 months.

There is a wide selection from the most basic, that simply read your cats chip and let them in, to those with mobile phone apps to control them that will let you know whenever your cat comes or goes. But which one is the best for you? There are a few things you need to take into consideration before you can go ahead and jump right in, as these will change from home to home. Despite these minor cons, I still firmly believe that the Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap is a fantastic investment for any cat owner in search of a reliable and programmable cat flap. It offers unparalleled ease of use and provides great peace of mind. In addition, there is an innovative, easy-to-view LED-display that allows you to set specific times for your cat to come in and out. The panel also displays location indicators for up to 3 selected cats so you can see whether your cat is currently at home or out and about. You can also see the last time that your cat passed through the cat flap. The cat flap is draught- and weatherproof, thanks to its stable, high-quality polymer and brush-sealed flap. If they won’t go through on their own, try to get your cat to move through the cat flap using their favourite treats.An issue that could arise with this cat flap is that smaller kittens may struggle at first with pushing themselves through. This is due to its slightly heavier-than-standard swing door. However, this will not be a long-lasting problem as your cat grows older and stronger. Also, six AA batteries are required and they don’t come included. Cat flaps in general are a godsend for those of us who are servants to moggies, meaning we don’t have to get up and down every five minutes to let a cat in or out through a window or door. Allowing cats access to the outside world, in a safe environment, gives them the best life possible, so it’s worth investing in a good cat flap to let them come and go as they please. One thing to be wary of is the sensors; they may require regular cleaning. When sensors are clogged with cat hair, the battery can drain because it presumes a cat is using the flap. Giving the sensors a regular wipe should reduce any problems with this SureFlap cat flap malfunctioning. A battery-powered cat flap with microchip and timer function, allowing you to give your cat the access it needs, while keeping your home safe from uninvited feline visitors.The Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flat with Timer Control is the ideal way to give your cat the freedom to come and go as it pleases, without the main disadvantage of a cat flap that is always open: the uninvited guests. This cat flap keeps your house as a no-go zone for neighbouring cats or, at night, foxes and martens that mistake it as an invitation to come inside, and saves you the hassle of opening the door or window yourself whenever your cat wants to come inside. This is the biggest microchipcat flapavailable andis designed with larger cats and even small dogs in mind. It even includes an ‘RFID collar tag’ that can be attached to the collar so that it activates the flap. This is handy if you have a dog or cat that is not microchipped because they can still access the pet flap.

Not only will your cat be able to come and go as they please, but you won’t have to keep a beady eye out for them either. While the gadget isn’t particularly attractive, it is simple to set up with one-button programming, and offers incredible flexibility for multi-cat homes, making life a little easier so that there’s more time to play with your pets. 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! Those of us who are already servants to our feline overlords might be laughing at the idea that you can train a cat to do anything. However, there are some simple tips you can try to make your cat use a new cat flap with ease. We do sometimes see cats developing behavioral issues because an unknown cat is entering their home through a normal cat flap, this is because cats are a highly territorial species, and having strange cats in their core territory can be a source of stress,” says Elin Williams, a behavior officer for the charity Cats Protection.

Warranty

If you’ve got more than one cat, the Dual Scan from Sure Petcare could be just the cat flap you’re looking for. It works with both microchips and the SureFlap RFID collar tag but allows you to programme it for individual cats. So there you have it, my selection of the best microchip cat flaps for pretty much any criteria. Of course, none of the flaps on offer by the main manufacturers are bad, they will all serve you well. This is simply my opinion on the best from installing and setting them up (and occasionally being called up to fix them too!) Since pretty much every cat is microchipped these days, you can make use of this technology with an electronic cat flap or cat feeder that reads your cat’s chip and will only let them in

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. With the Ferplast Swing Cat Flap with Microchip, even slightly more rotund felines can enjoy the freedom of heading outside without having to ask permission. It’s available in a range of different sizes and is therefore one of the best microchip cat flap options for larger cats. Then came magnetic cat flaps, a big improvement on older models, they work by using a magnetic key that is fitted to the collar. This magnetic key triggers the cat flap to open only to your cat, but they have obvious potential problems, such as the collar getting trapped and falling off while your cats are out and about, to put it simply, they have proved to be a little unreliable. The microchip cat flap itself should last for years – it's the batteries that will fail first. Not to worry, though, because they're easily replaceable and, if you opt for rechargeable ones, they're not going to be especially costly or inconvenient in the long run either. However, you won’t get all these features without the hub, and this needs to be plugged into your router with an Ethernet cable as well as into the mains. You will also need four C cell batteries, which you should expect to last a maximum of six months.I must admit, it did take a little time for my cats to adjust to their new entrance. Cats can be quite particular, as I’m sure many cat owners can attest to. But with a bit of patience and encouragement, they eventually grew comfortable with it. Now they come and go as they please, like they own the place. It’s as if they have their own little VIP access. This Dual Scan model is another highly rated microchip cat flap. If you have more than one cat and need to keep someindoors whilst letting other cats out, then this is a great feature that makes this possible. Outdoor cats love exploring. But you can’t always be there as and when they ordain themselves to come inside for TLC. A good option is to install a cat flap. They are easy to fit and can be installed in walls, doors and even glass, although we would highly recommend getting a glacier fitter to install the cat flap onto a glass door.