If your cat loves coming and going as they please, then you most likely have or want a cat flap for your home. Even though it’s natural for a cat to be outside a lot, owners can feel anxiety about where their furry friends go and when they’ll come back. There’s also the added stress of unwelcome visitors entering through your cat flap; be that other cats or small animals.
If you want to give your cat their freedom but also have peace of mind, then a microchip cat flap is the perfect solution. You’ll be able to track when your cat is home, plus keep out other cats and animals. We have found some of the best microchip cat flaps to make your life easier - and they won’t break the bank either. Purrrfect.
The best microchip cat flaps at a glance:
• Best battery-powered microchip cat flap: SureFlap Cat Flap with Microchip Identification in White - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best large microchip cat flap: PetSafe Interior and Exterior Cat Door - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best microchip cat flap for glass doors: SureFlap Microchip Pet Door - Buy now on Amazon UK
What is a microchip cat flap?
The general idea of a microchip cat flap is that it can scan when your cat is nearby, by sensing their microchip ID. It will then open for your cat and your cat only, and some can even register when the cat flap has been used. In the UK, domestic cats have to be microchipped by law, so these microchip cat flaps can work for any cat owner.
The best microchip cat flaps:
Best battery-powered microchip cat flap
This cat flap is one of the most popular options on the market, and we can see why. It's compatible with all common microchips and RFID collar tags, plus its simple one-button programming function makes it easy to use. It can store the information of 32 pets and will keep any stray animal intruders out.
Installation and use: You will need circular hole in order to install this cat flap. The cat flap can be installed into holes up to 260mm in diameter. It will require four AA batteries, but then it will last up to a year.
Pros
- Easy one-button programming
- 3-year warranty
- Low battery warning indicator
Cons
- Requires 4 AA batteries (not included)
| Measurements: | 210mm x 210mm (exterior) |
Best large microchip cat flap
Putting quality first, we love that this microchip cat flap is super durable and can store information on up to 40 cats. It has a four-way locking system, so you can set parameters around your cat's access at any time.
Installation and use: This cat flap should be easy to install as long as you measure your space correctly. The high-impact plastic flap stands up to frequent use and can be used indoors or outdoors.
Pros
- Can fit pets up to 25lb
- Magnetic weather seal
- 4-way locking system
Cons
- Flap is not the most sturdy
| Measurements: | 72.36 x 45.42 x 75.31cm |
Best microchip cat flap for glass doors
Designed especially for larger cats (and small dogs), this cat flap will keep out intruders but make sure your cat feels very welcome. Programming up to 32 pet identities is simple with the LCD screen, plus the four-way manual lock gives you the ability to override the microchip-operated lock.
Installation and use: It's easy to install into wood and can also be fitted into glass and walls. This pet door runs on 4 C cell batteries.
Pros
- Low battery indicator
- Great for larger cats (and small dogs) to fit through
- Simple one-button set-up
Cons
- Requires 4 x C batteries (not included)
| Measurements: | 28.1 x 26.2 x 12cm |
Best microchip cat flap for smaller cats
Your cat will have easy access to your home and the outside world with this cat flap. It reads your cat's unique microchip ID to let them in but keep others out. It's energy-efficient and easy to program for up to 40 pets.
Installation and use: This cat flap is suitable for glass, wood, windows and most types of PVC doors. The max shoulder width for this cat flap is 15cm.
Pros
- Built-in draft excluder
- Magnetic locking points
- Easy to install
Cons
- Clicking noise could scare nervous cats
| Measurements: | 23.9 x 22 x 12.2cm |
Best swing microchip cat flap
This cat flap makes it super easy to control your cat's passageway in and out of your home. Not only is it equipped with the usual microchip recognition software, but it also comes with a microchip collar in case your cat hasn't been chipped yet or there's an issue with their existing microchip. The swing door means your cat will have no issue using this cat flap. It comes in brown or white, making it a versatile choice aesthetically.
Installation and use: The measurements given should help you when installing this door. It's lockable as either an exit or entrance, giving you full control.
Pros
- Can be programmed up to 32 pets
- Wind stopper system to keep out draughts
- Four-way closing system
Cons
- Plastic flap not very durable
| Measurements: | 22.5 x 16.2 x 25.2cm |
Best app-controlled microchip cat flap
If you want a microchip cat flap with all the bells and whistles, then this is it. It's app-controlled, so you will benefit from all the features of a typical microchip cat flap, plus a lot more. You'll get notifications on your phone when your cat uses the cat door, and it monitors your pet's activity and behaviour. The DualScan technology even lets you set exit permissions for each cat.
Installation and use: Both the app and flap itself are easy to install and use. Four AA batteries are required.
Pros
- DualScan technology allows you to programme it for individual cats
- Can be programmed for up to 32 cats
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- some users find the hub difficult to set up
| Measurements: | 18 x 23 x 25cm |
Best microchip cat flap with a timer
For those of you who want added control to protect your pet, this microchip cat flap is ideal. Your cat will have the independence they want during the day, but you can set a night-time curfew with the timer so you can both sleep soundly. It has an easy-to-use LCD screen, plus it's weatherproof.
Installation and Use: Can be installed into single or double glazing, plus wood, wall and metal. It also requires four AA batteries.
Pros
- LCD screen to monitor how many cats are in the house at once
- Timer function to control access for all your cats
- Double point 4-way locking system
Cons
- Can only have three cats registered at once
| Measurements: | 178mm x 204mm x 232mm |
Looking for help with installation? These cat flap adaptors could help.
Microchip cat flap adaptors:
Eve Miller is a Storytelling Executive for WhatsTheBest with a love for writing, film, her dog and beauty. She also writes for Yours.co.uk, Closer and Heat.
Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the What’s The Best team.