This article contains affiliate links. We earn a small commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we'd actually use.
Best Microchip Cat Flap UK 2026: Compared and Reviewed
If you have ever come downstairs at 6am to find next door's tabby sitting in your kitchen eating your cat's food, you already understand why microchip cat flaps exist. They read your cat's implanted microchip (the same one your vet registered when you got them) and only unlock for registered cats. Every other cat, fox, or opportunistic raccoon gets a firmly locked door.
The UK is arguably the world's biggest market for microchip cat flaps. We microchip our cats by law (since June 2024, all cats in England must be chipped by 20 weeks), and cat flaps are embedded in British culture in a way they simply are not in many other countries. SureFlap, the market leader, is a British company. This is home turf.
We compared every microchip cat flap currently available from UK retailers. From the basic £50 models to the £150+ smart-connected versions with app control, curfew timers, and per-cat entry logs. Here is what you need to know.
What to Look for in a Microchip Cat Flap
Microchip Compatibility
Most UK cats are chipped with either a 15-digit FDX-B microchip or an older 9-digit chip. All the flaps on this list read FDX-B chips, which covers the vast majority. If your cat has an older or non-standard chip, check compatibility before buying. Every flap also accepts RFID collar tags as an alternative, so even an unchipped cat can use them.
Entry vs Exit Control (DualScan)
Standard microchip cat flaps only scan on entry. Any cat can push out from inside, but only registered cats can come in. DualScan models scan in both directions, which means you can control exit as well as entry. This is useful if you want to keep one cat indoors (after surgery, for example) while letting another come and go freely. It is also the only way to get accurate per-cat tracking of who is in and who is out.
Installation Type
Cat flaps install into three types of surface, and each has different requirements:
- Wooden doors: Easiest. A jigsaw and 20 minutes. Most confident DIYers can handle this.
- uPVC doors: Trickier. Cutting through reinforced plastic requires care. A professional fitting costs £50-80 and is usually worth it to avoid cracking the panel.
- Glass (double glazed): Requires a professional. The glass panel needs to be replaced with a new one cut with a circular hole. A glazier will charge £80-150 depending on panel size. You cannot cut existing double glazing yourself without shattering it.
- Walls: Possible but requires a wall-mounting adapter (an extension tunnel, usually sold separately for £15-25) and a core drill. Professional installation recommended.
Draught and Security
Cheap cat flaps are notorious draught points. Cold air pouring through a flimsy flap on a February night is miserable for you and your heating bill. Look for double-flap or brushed-seal designs. The SureFlap models use a double-locking mechanism that creates a better seal than most competitors.
Multi-Cat Homes
All the flaps on this list can store multiple cat microchips (typically 20-32 cats, which should be sufficient unless you are running an unlicensed cattery). The smart models let you set individual permissions per cat -- one cat allowed out at night, another locked in, for example.
The Best Microchip Cat Flaps Available in the UK
SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap
Price: £69.99 - £79.99
UK availability: Amazon UK, Pets at Home, Argos, most pet retailers
The original and still the best-selling microchip cat flap in the UK. SureFlap essentially created this product category, and the basic model has been refined over years of feedback from millions of UK homes. It reads your cat's microchip, unlocks the flap, and locks again once they are through. Simple as that.
It stores up to 32 microchip numbers, runs on 4 AA batteries (which last approximately 12 months), and the build quality is reassuringly solid. The locking mechanism is robust -- a determined fox cannot force it open, which is a genuine concern with cheaper flaps.
This model scans on entry only. Your cat can push out freely, but only registered cats can come in. For most households, that is all you need. If you need exit control (to keep a specific cat indoors), look at the DualScan below.
One practical consideration: the flap opening on the standard SureFlap is 142mm x 120mm. That is fine for average-sized cats but can feel tight for larger breeds. Maine Coons, large British Shorthairs, or chunky moggies may need the larger SureFlap Microchip Pet Door (170mm x 178mm opening, ~£100) instead.
Pros: Proven reliability, excellent availability, stores 32 cats, 12-month battery life, strong lock mechanism, easy to install in doors.
Cons: Entry-only scanning, no app, no curfew timer, flap opening may be small for large cats.
Verdict: The sensible default. If you just want to keep neighbourhood cats out and you do not need smart features, this is the one. It does one job and does it well.
SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect (Sure Petcare)
Price: £119.99 - £149.99 (flap) + £59.99 (hub, required)
UK availability: Amazon UK, Pets at Home, Sure Petcare official store
The Connect version adds app control via the Sure Petcare Hub (sold separately, which is annoying at the price point). Once connected, you get curfew settings (lock the flap at specific times), per-cat permissions, entry and exit logs with timestamps, and notifications when each cat comes or goes.
The app works well and the data it provides is genuinely useful. You can see at a glance whether each cat is currently in or out, review their activity patterns over time, and set individual curfews. If one cat needs to stay in after dark but another is a committed nighttime hunter, you can configure them separately.
The "sold separately" hub is the sore point. The flap itself is £120-150, and then you need the £60 hub to make any of the smart features work. Without the hub, you have paid a premium for a flap that functions identically to the basic £70 model. That total cost of £180-210 for a cat flap is a lot, and many people understandably baulk at it.
That said, if you have multiple cats and you value the data and individual control, the Connect genuinely delivers. The curfew feature alone has justified the cost for many cat owners who were tired of being woken at 3am by hunting trophies being brought through the flap.
Pros: App control, per-cat curfews, entry/exit logging, individual permissions, notifications, stores 32 cats.
Cons: Hub sold separately (£60 extra), expensive total outlay, hub requires Ethernet connection (not WiFi only), same small flap opening as basic model.
Verdict: The best smart cat flap, but the pricing model is cheeky. Budget £180-210 for the complete setup. Worth it if you have multiple cats with different access needs.
SureFlap DualScan Microchip Cat Flap
Price: £99.99 - £119.99
UK availability: Amazon UK, Pets at Home, Sure Petcare official store
The DualScan does exactly what the name suggests: it scans microchips in both directions, on entry and exit. This means you can set individual permissions for each cat. Cat A can go in and out freely. Cat B can come in but not go out (post-surgery lockdown, for example). Cat C is locked to indoors only.
This is the model vets most commonly recommend for multi-cat households, and particularly for households where one cat needs temporary confinement. Rather than blocking the entire flap and disrupting all your cats' routines, you can lock down just the one that needs it.
The DualScan works without a hub or app -- settings are configured via buttons on the flap itself. It is not the most intuitive interface (you will need the manual the first time), but once set up, it runs without fuss. Battery life is slightly shorter than the basic model at around 6-9 months, because both scanners are active.
No app connectivity means no remote monitoring or curfew timers. If you want DualScan plus smart features, you need the Connect version of this flap (which pushes the total cost to £200+).
Pros: Entry and exit scanning, individual per-cat permissions, ideal for post-surgery confinement, no subscription or hub needed.
Cons: No app or remote control, button-based setup is fiddly, shorter battery life than basic model, no curfew timer.
Verdict: The best non-smart cat flap for multi-cat homes. If you have ever needed to keep one cat in while letting the others out, this solves that problem neatly.
PetSafe Petporte Smart Flap
Price: £79.99 - £99.99
UK availability: Amazon UK, Pets at Home, Argos
PetSafe's Petporte offers microchip reading with a built-in curfew timer, which is a genuinely useful feature that the basic SureFlap lacks. You can program the flap to lock and unlock at specific times -- lock at 9pm, unlock at 7am, for example -- without needing a hub or app. Programming is done via an LCD screen and buttons on the flap itself.
The microchip reader works reliably and stores up to 25 cats. Build quality is reasonable, though the lock mechanism feels slightly less substantial than SureFlap's. The flap is transparent, which some cats prefer (they can see through it before pushing).
The main drawback is the user interface. Programming the timer via the LCD and buttons is not what anyone would call intuitive. The manual is essential, and even with it, expect to spend a frustrating 15 minutes getting the timer set up the first time. Once programmed, though, it runs without issues.
PetSafe also lacks the ecosystem that Sure Petcare has built. There is no app option, no hub upgrade path, no integration with other smart pet products. It is a standalone device. For some people, that simplicity is a feature rather than a limitation.
Pros: Built-in curfew timer without needing a hub, transparent flap, competitive pricing, widely available, stores 25 cats.
Cons: Fiddly programming interface, lock mechanism less robust than SureFlap, no app or smart features, entry-only scanning.
Verdict: The best value option if you specifically want a curfew timer without paying for a hub. Functionally solid, just prepare for a slightly painful setup process.
Cat Mate Elite Super Selective
Price: £49.99 - £69.99
UK availability: Amazon UK, Pets at Home, independent pet shops
Cat Mate offers the cheapest microchip cat flap on this list, and it is genuinely competent for the price. It reads standard 15-digit FDX-B microchips, stores up to 9 cats, and includes a timer function for setting curfew hours. The four-way lock (in only, out only, both, locked) gives manual control when you need it.
Build quality is where the savings show. The plastics feel lighter than SureFlap, the seal is not as tight (expect some draught), and the lock mechanism is adequate rather than impressive. In areas with determined wildlife, a persistent fox might manage to shoulder it open, which is not a concern with the heavier SureFlap locking system.
The flap opening is a reasonable 145mm x 145mm -- actually slightly wider than the standard SureFlap, which is worth noting for owners of stockier cats. Programming is straightforward, though the timer setup involves the same button-pressing sequences that seem to be universal in this product category.
For a straightforward single-cat household where the primary need is keeping neighbourhood strays out, the Cat Mate does the job at the best price. For multi-cat homes, the 9-cat storage limit and lack of individual per-cat settings are limitations worth considering.
Pros: Lowest price on this list, includes basic timer, wider flap opening than standard SureFlap, four-way manual lock.
Cons: Only stores 9 cats, lighter build quality, weaker draught seal, less secure lock mechanism, no app or smart features.
Verdict: The budget pick. If price is the deciding factor and you have one or two cats, the Cat Mate is perfectly functional. Just do not expect SureFlap build quality.
Comparison Table
| Cat Flap | Price | Scan Direction | App | Curfew Timer | Cats Stored | Flap Opening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SureFlap Basic | £70-80 | Entry only | No | No | 32 | 142 x 120mm |
| SureFlap Connect | £120-150 + £60 hub | Entry only | Yes | Yes (via app) | 32 | 142 x 120mm |
| SureFlap DualScan | £100-120 | Entry + Exit | No | No | 32 | 142 x 120mm |
| PetSafe Petporte | £80-100 | Entry only | No | Yes (built-in) | 25 | 150 x 145mm |
| Cat Mate Elite | £50-70 | Entry only | No | Yes (basic) | 9 | 145 x 145mm |
Installation: What to Expect
Installation difficulty depends entirely on what you are cutting through. Here is a realistic breakdown of what each surface type involves.
Wooden Doors (DIY Friendly)
Mark the position using the template provided with the flap. Drill corner holes, then cut with a jigsaw. Sand the edges, fit the flap, screw it in. Total time: 20-40 minutes. Cost: nothing if you own a jigsaw, £15-20 for a basic jigsaw if you do not.
uPVC Doors
Technically possible as a DIY job, but uPVC is unforgiving -- one slip and you crack the panel, which means replacing the entire door panel (£100-200). A professional cat flap fitter charges £50-80 for uPVC installation and brings the right tools. For the price difference versus a cracked door panel, professional fitting is the sensible call.
Double-Glazed Glass
You cannot cut a hole in existing double glazing. The glass unit needs to be removed and replaced with a new one that has a circular hole factory-cut into it. Cost: £80-150 for the new glass panel plus fitting, depending on panel size. Some glaziers specialise in cat flap installations -- search "cat flap glazier" in your area. Lead time is typically 1-2 weeks for the glass to be manufactured.
Brick or Stone Walls
Requires a core drill to cut through the wall, plus a tunnel liner (usually £15-25, sold by SureFlap and others). Professional installation costs £100-180 depending on wall thickness. Not a DIY job unless you own a core drill and know how to use it.
Before buying a cat flap, decide where it will go and factor in installation costs. A £70 cat flap installed in glass becomes a £200+ project. That is not a reason to avoid glass installation (it is often the best option), but it should inform your budgeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
My cat is already microchipped. Do I need to do anything else?
No. All UK microchip cat flaps read the standard FDX-B chips used by UK vets. You register your cat's chip number with the flap (by pressing a button and holding your cat near the scanner), and it remembers it. No subscription, no account setup, no pairing -- just a one-time registration that takes 30 seconds.
What if my cat's microchip has migrated?
Chip migration (where the microchip moves from the original implantation site between the shoulder blades) can occasionally cause scanning issues if it has moved far from the head/neck area. In practice, most cat flap scanners are sensitive enough to read a chip anywhere in the head and shoulder region. If your cat's chip has migrated significantly, use the RFID collar tag that comes with every flap as a backup.
Do microchip cat flaps need WiFi?
Only the app-connected models (SureFlap Connect). The basic models from every brand are completely standalone -- no WiFi, no internet, no hub. They run on batteries and read microchips via their built-in scanner. This is a common misconception that puts people off unnecessarily.
Can a neighbourhood cat "tailgate" through behind my cat?
It is possible but unlikely. The flap locks again within seconds of your cat passing through. A very quick, very determined cat following immediately behind could potentially squeeze through before it locks. In practice, it is rare -- the following cat would need to be right on your cat's tail, and most cats are not comfortable being that close to another cat.
How long do the batteries last?
The SureFlap Basic lasts approximately 12 months on 4 AA batteries. The DualScan uses batteries faster (6-9 months) because both scanners are active. The app-connected models are powered via the hub. Cat Mate and PetSafe models run 6-12 months depending on traffic. Use quality branded batteries -- cheap ones can cause erratic behaviour.
The Bottom Line
For most UK cat owners, the SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap (the basic £70 model) is all you need. It is proven, reliable, widely available, and it solves the core problem -- keeping neighbourhood cats out of your house. We would buy this one.
If you have multiple cats with different access needs, the SureFlap DualScan at £100-120 adds exit scanning that lets you control each cat individually. It is worth the premium for multi-cat households, particularly if one of your cats has health issues that require indoor confinement.
The SureFlap Connect is the best smart option, but only if you budget for the hub and are prepared to spend £180+ total. The app is genuinely useful, but the hub pricing model feels like it is punishing you for wanting features that should arguably be built in at the flap's price point.
The Cat Mate Elite is a solid budget choice for single-cat homes. The PetSafe Petporte is worth considering if you specifically want a built-in curfew timer without the cost of a hub.
Whichever you choose, invest in proper installation. A cat flap is a permanent modification to your door or wall, and a bodged installation is visible every single day. If you are cutting glass or uPVC, pay a professional. If you are cutting a wooden door, watch a YouTube video first. Your future self will thank you.
Related Guides
- Best Cat GPS Tracker UK 2026
- Best Automatic Litter Box UK 2026
- Smart Cat Products Guide UK 2026
- New Cat Owner: Everything You Need