If you want to keep your kitty safe, the best microchip cat flaps are a particularly clever invention. They give your cats free access to the outdoors while preventing any neighbourhood moggies from sneaking in. These cat flaps have a built-in sensor that recognises your cat’s microchip, meaning only they can go in and out of the flap. This puts them at a huge advantage over a normal, non-chipped flap – particularly if your cat is being bullied or you have a greedy, six-dinner Sid living nearby. If you only have a couple of cats using it you can expect the batteries to last for as long as 12 months. Selective Entry is a feature that you (should) find on every single microchip cat flap. This is configured to your cat’s microchip and allows it to come in but prevents other cats from coming in. Typically batteries on most modern models will last for at least 6 months with heavy use, up to 12 months if you have no more than a couple of cats. Cat Flap Installation

READ NEXT: The best cat toys to buy The best cat flaps you can buy in 2023 1. PetSafe Staywell Original 2-Way Pet Door: Best budget cat flap Finally, remember that your cat won’t want to reach up too far to get in and out of the cat flap. Make sure you install it at a suitable height for their legs. We advise our adapter kit that is specifically designed for installation into UPVC Doors or Wooden doors with interior metal panels, to improve the sensing range of your cat’s implanted microchip. This can be found here

9mm x 300mm x 5m Flat UPVC Brown Soffit - Flat Board

Available in either brown or white this cat flap can identify your cat using their 9, 10 or 15 digit pin which is stored on their under the skin microchip, if your cat doesn’t have a microchip you can use a simple RFID tag which is attached to their collar. Freedom for the cat to exercise and explore when they feel like it can help increase the health and well-being of your cat. Microchip - Activated with your pet implanted microchip - Set the door to open, closed, in only or out only

If you’re looking for a no-frills microchip cat flap from a trusted brand that gets the job done, the SureFlap Microchip may be for you. Like all microchip models, it only lets your pets in and out, while preventing intruders from stealing food or messing up your home. Of course, your pet will need to be microchipped – and the cat flap works with any of them – or wear a SureFlap RFID collar tag, which costs extra. Do make sure that your cat’s microchip is one that’s recognised by the cat flap you choose. Some older microchips and foreign chips may not work with a microchip cat flap. Where should I install my cat flap? The Sureflap can support up to 32 different tags, so if you run a cat shelter or just have more cats than sense then this cat flap is an easy way to keep all of your cats happy while ensuring that no stray cats sneak in amongst them. Magnetic - Activated with a magnetic collar key - Set the door to open, closed, in only or out only These doors can also be used in sheds cages or external kennels in catteries to create sanctuaries for your cat that they can use.

Warranty

Compared with some other models this one has a long battery life and is powered by four AA batteries, which are much easier to get hold of than the cell ones, although they make the casing is a little bulkier. If you already have a cat flap installed the installation process should be fairly simple however the cat flap hole may require some reworking to make it fit. Able to support up to 25 cats, and supporting the popular 15 digit microchip the PetPorte is easy to install and includes some great extra features. Glass: Standard 28mm Toughened glass 1.4 value or upgrade to 44mm Triple glaze with an excellent u-value of 1.0 - 75% better than a standard Bi-fold.

Of course before your install any cat flap you need to decide where it is going, if it is going to be placed in a door then installation should be reasonably straightforward to fit it. The kit offers all the usual benefits of a microchip cat flap in keeping unwanted guests at bay, plus a whole load of extras to connect you to your cat. 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. Prop the cat flap open with a peg or strong tape. Give your cat time to get used to going in and out through the hole and lower it slightly over time so that they have to start pushing it a little. If your cat is reluctant to use the flap, try enticing them through with their favourite treats. Measuring a standard 142mm x 120mm with a required installation hole size of 165mm x 171mm this should comfortably fit into most pre-existing cat flap holes. Cat Flap Connect Batteries & Battery Life

One of the features is night mode, this works by detecting the light levels so that when it gets dark it allows in only access for your cat, then, when the light comes up it will allow your cat to go outside. This is a particularly useful feature too for households where you may also use this cat flap for a small dog that you may not wish to have the same level of freedom as your cat. It is also good for households with young ‘teenage’ cats which you may be looking to slowly introduce to the outside world, but you want to limit their outdoor time until they are a bit older. Microchipping your cat by inserting a tiny chip into your pet is one of the easiest ways to keep it safe. The chip can then be read by a portable scanner, should your cat ever go missing and end up at a vet practice. It’s not harmful to the cat and takes very little time.

If you’re the proud owner of a Maine Coon – the biggest domestic cat – you’ll know that not all cat flaps cut the mustard. The breed is big-boned and muscular, measuring over three feet long. But this is where the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door for Large Cats comes into its own. Opening Direction: Looking at the door outside the house, do you want it hinged on the left or the right? The two-pane can also be supplied as a French door. Either way it is always a good idea to have a look at how each cat flap is installed and make a decision regarding whether you have the tools and DIY skills necessary to install it or whether or not you will need to consult a professional.You don’t need to know your cat’s microchip pin number to set your cat up with the Sureflap cat flap, all you need to do is press the ‘learn’ button. When your cat next comes near the Sureflap, it will read your cat’s microchip and store their number. Prop the cat flap open to begin with and give your cat some time to get used to it. You can then begin to lower the door bit by bit.