The SureFlap microchip cat flap lets your pussies in and out whenever they like. Thanks to microchip control, uninvited animal guests stay outside.

Freedom for slim cats

With the SureFlap microchip cat flap, all animals can go outside at any time, but entry is controlled. The advantage is obvious: your furry friends are free to decide when it's time for a wild romp or an exciting stalk through the garden. They can relax in their cosy home where they are safe from other animals. Both together noticeably increase satisfaction, as described by the numerous reviewers on the Internet: In more than 800 reviews from online customers at zooplus.de and amazon.de, the SureFlap earns high praise for its ease of use and reliable chip recognition. The door to freedom measures 14.2 × 12 cm on the inside - delicate kittens and miniature dogs can easily slip through, but the opening can be too narrow for very large or heavy cats.

By microchip: Admission control at the front door

The electronic cat flap uses your cat's implanted RFID chip (radio-frequency identification) for identification or a corresponding tag chip on the collar, which you can buy as an accessory. The clever portal has 32 memory locations and is compatible with all internationally used microchip formats. To register and save an ID, the chip must be brought close to the sensor - one press of a button and the cat is authorised. From then on, when the cat approaches the flap from outside, the chip is scanned, recognised and the flap is unlocked. For animals with an unregistered identification number, the flap remains locked. The clicking noise when unlocking the flap can initially put off sensitive felines; patience is required during the familiarisation phase.

Manual control over the flap is guaranteed by the 4-way lock. The flap is powered by 4 AA batteries, which last for almost a year. An indicator warns you when the charge is running low. Unfortunately, the model cannot be programmed with a timer, so take a look at the SureFlap microchip pet flap with timer.

Easy to install, but poor seal

The SureFlap microchip cat flap is designed for installation in wooden or PVC doors, walls, windows and glass doors. Even thicker walls are no problem, as the flap comes with a 7 cm long tunnel that you can extend indefinitely with extension elements. The two-part design makes installation easier. Please note: Accessories are required for installation in glass: The mounting adapter for glass panes is available separately. When choosing the installation location, consider the heat loss through the cat flap: Unheated rooms are more suitable than the living room. The fact that the flap's brush seal can hardly hold back cold wind is also evident from some critical online reviews. There are also reports of particularly clever escapees on four paws successfully opening the locked flap and gaining additional access.

Conclusion

For a flap with innovative RFID scanning technology, the SureFlap microchip cat flap is reasonably priced, as it is an older model with simple features. It is sufficient for slim cats. Large and stocky pets are better off with the SureFlap pet flap. Its opening is significantly larger and a digital timer is available. You can even control the Connect pet flap version via smartphone.