The best microchip cat door depends on your pet’s chip, the opening size, and where you plan to install it. The SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap is best for cats needing selective entry through a standard-sized flap, while the Cat Mate offers four-way access control. The PetSafe suits multi-pet homes with compatible 15-digit chips, and the Flap Fever insert is designed for window installations. For a larger opening and scheduled locking, consider the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door.
| Product | Best For | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap | Standard cat-flap openings | Reads compatible chips; learns up to 32 identities |
| Cat Mate Microchip Activated Cat Flap | Flexible entry and exit settings | Four access modes; up to 30 cats |
| PetSafe Microchip Cat Door | Multi-pet homes | Programs up to 40 pets |
| Flap Fever Window Insert | Window installations | Custom insert with microchip lock option |
| SureFlap Microchip Pet Door | Larger openings and curfew schedules | Scheduled locking; larger flap opening |
SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap
This selective-entry cat flap reads a pet’s implanted microchip when the cat enters. It can learn up to 32 identities and uses one-button programming. Its stated chip compatibility includes 9-digit Avid Secure, 10-digit FDXA, and 15-digit FDXB numbers.
Best for: Cat owners who want to prevent unprogrammed animals from entering and have a cat with a compatible chip. The flap opening measures 4 3/4 inches high by 5 5/8 inches wide, and the product can be installed in doors, windows, or walls with suitable accessories.
Consideration: The listed feature says it scans on entry only, so it does not provide selective exit control. Check your cat’s chip number and measure the opening before choosing it.
Cat Mate Microchip Activated Cat Flap
The Cat Mate flap supports up to 30 cats and reads compatible microchips or separately sold Cat Mate ID Discs. It offers four settings: in and out, in only, out only, and fully locked. The product is described as draught- and weather-proof, with brush seals and a magnetic closure.
Best for: Households that want to choose whether pets can enter, exit, or use the flap both ways. It may be a better fit than an entry-only model when day-to-day access control matters.
Consideration: It supports 15-digit ISO and AVID chips but is not compatible with 10-digit chips or chips containing letters. Confirm chip compatibility before buying.
PetSafe Microchip Cat Door
This PetSafe door reads a pet’s unique 15-digit microchip and allows access to programmed animals. It can store up to 40 pets in total, according to the listing, and programmable collar keys are sold separately for animals without a microchip.
Best for: Multi-pet homes with compatible 15-digit chips that need access for several programmed animals. It is designed to give those pets independent access while keeping unprogrammed animals from entering.
Consideration: The supplied product information does not specify an opening measurement or list detailed lock settings. Check the product dimensions and installation requirements before selecting it for a particular door or pet.
Flap Fever Custom Window Insert
This custom-made plexiglass insert is intended for horizontal or vertical window installations. The listing describes a 1/4-inch insulated insert with foam and brush weatherstripping. Buyers can choose among magnetic, four-way, or microchip lock options; the microchip option is described as recognizing up to 30 pets.
Best for: Buyers who want a window-mounted pet door and prefer an insulated insert rather than cutting a door or wall. Its selectable lock options make it useful for comparing access-control needs.
Consideration: This is a custom-fit product, so confirm the available sizing and window requirements with the seller before ordering. The listing’s tool-free installation claim does not establish that every window configuration will fit.
SureFlap Microchip Pet Door
This larger SureFlap model scans pets on entry, learns up to 32 identities, and works with listed 9-digit Avid Secure, 10-digit FDXA, and 15-digit FDXB microchips. It also allows a curfew schedule that locks and unlocks the door at specified times. Its opening measures 6 11/16 inches high by 7 inches wide.
Best for: Buyers who need a larger opening than the SureFlap cat flap provides or want scheduled locking. Installation options include doors, windows, or walls, with accessories available.
Consideration: The listing specifies restricted entry only, meaning any animal can exit. Choose another access design if you need to restrict which animals can leave.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Microchip Cat Door
Will the door read your cat’s microchip?
Check the exact chip format before comparing other features. The SureFlap models list compatibility with several chip formats, while Cat Mate specifies 15-digit ISO and AVID chips and excludes 10-digit chips and those containing letters. PetSafe lists 15-digit chips. If the chip number is unknown, ask your veterinarian, shelter, or rescue organization to identify it.
Do you need to control entry, exit, or both?
Some doors, including the listed SureFlap models, scan on entry only. Cat Mate provides four settings for in-and-out access, entry only, exit only, or fully locked. Compare these functions with your household routine; an entry scanner does not necessarily prevent a pet from leaving.
How many pets need access?
Compare the stated memory limits: up to 30 identities for Cat Mate, up to 32 for SureFlap, and up to 40 programmed pets for PetSafe. Make sure every pet’s chip is compatible. If a pet does not have a supported chip, some models offer separately sold collar tags or ID discs.
Where will you install the door?
Measure the pet and the proposed opening, then compare those measurements with the product’s stated flap size. The standard SureFlap cat flap and larger SureFlap pet door have different openings. For a window, consider whether a custom insert suits the window type and dimensions; wall installations may require model-specific accessories.
Are weather sealing and scheduling priorities?
Cat Mate lists brush sealing, magnetic closure, and draught- and weather-proof construction. Flap Fever describes insulation and weatherstripping for its window insert. The larger SureFlap model offers scheduled locking. Choose based on the installation location and the access routine you need, rather than assuming every microchip door has the same features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a microchip cat door keep stray animals out?
These products use programmed microchips or compatible tags to allow selected pets to enter. However, features differ: verify whether the model scans on entry and whether it can control exit.
Do all microchip cat doors work with every chip?
No. Compatibility varies by model and chip format. Check the listed chip types and ask a veterinarian to confirm your pet’s chip number when needed.
Can a cat door be installed in a window?
Some listed models support window installation, and Flap Fever offers a window insert. Confirm the product’s installation requirements and your window measurements before ordering.
What if my cat has no microchip?
Some products support separately sold collar tags or ID discs. Check the specific model’s instructions and compatible accessory options.