A cat flap gives your cat freedom, but a basic flap also invites in every other cat on the street. Microchip and RFID flaps solve that by opening only for the pets you have programmed in.
We have compared five cat flaps currently available on Amazon UK, from an app-connected microchip flap to a simple manual budget option.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap | Best overall | £65-75 | 4.4/5 |
SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect | Best app-connected flap | £135-140 | 4.2/5 |
PetSafe Microchip Cat Door | Best value microchip | £60-70 | 4.1/5 |
Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap | Best with curfew timer | £75-85 | 3.7/5 |
PetSafe Staywell Original 2-Way | Best budget (manual) | £10-15 | 4.3/5 |
Individual Product Reviews
SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap
Best for: most cats and homes: the all-round microchip flap
The SureFlap is the best-known microchip cat flap in the UK. It reads your cat’s existing microchip or an included RFID collar tag and opens only for the pets you have programmed in, which keeps out strays and other visitors.
With a 4.4 out of 5 average across more than 22,000 ratings, it is by far the best-reviewed flap here, and it currently costs around £70.
What we like:
- Reads microchips or RFID collar tags
- Vast base of owner reviews
- Fits doors, glass, walls and uPVC panels
Worth knowing:
- Needs batteries
- Takes a little time to program in each pet
Specifications:
- Type: microchip cat flap
- Compatible: microchips and RFID tags
- Power: batteries
- Fits: doors, glass, walls, uPVC
SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect
Best for: tracking comings and goings via a smartphone app
The Connect adds a hub and app to the SureFlap design, so you can see when your cat comes and goes and lock or unlock the flap remotely. It also uses DualScan technology to read both microchips and collar tags.
It is the priciest flap here at around £138, and it has fewer ratings (263, 4.2 out of 5). Stock is limited, so check availability before you rely on it.
What we like:
- App notifications and remote locking
- DualScan reads chips and tags
- Same trusted flap design
Worth knowing:
- Priced well above standard flaps
- Needs a hub and a reliable home network
Specifications:
- Type: app-connected microchip flap
- Technology: DualScan
- Control: mobile app via hub
- Fits: doors, glass, walls
PetSafe Microchip Cat Door
Best for: microchip security at a lower price
PetSafe’s microchip cat door works on the same principle as the SureFlap, reading your pet’s microchip to allow entry to only the programmed cats. It is a well-known alternative if you want a microchip flap from a different brand.
It costs around £65, and its 4.1 out of 5 average across more than 19,000 ratings shows it is widely used.
What we like:
- Microchip access control
- Huge number of ratings
- Fits most standard doors
Worth knowing:
- Slightly lower review average than SureFlap
- Needs batteries
Specifications:
- Type: microchip cat door
- Colour: white
- Access: programmed microchips
- Power: batteries
No products found.
Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap
Best for: a built-in timer without needing an app
The Cat Mate Elite combines microchip entry with a timer, so you can set curfew hours to keep your cat in overnight. It is designed for small to medium cats.
It costs around £80 with a 3.7 out of 5 average across more than 1,600 ratings, so reviews are more mixed than for the leading brands.
What we like:
- Timer control built in
- Microchip-activated
- No app or hub required
Worth knowing:
- Reviews are more mixed
- Best for small to medium cats
Specifications:
- Type: microchip cat flap with timer
- Suits: small to medium cats
- Colour: white
- Power: batteries
PetSafe Staywell Original 2-Way Pet Door (Small)
Best for: a budget option for a single-cat home
If you do not need to keep other animals out, a simple manual flap is the cheapest way to give your cat freedom. The Staywell Original 2-Way has a lockable flap and needs no batteries.
At around £12 with a 4.3 out of 5 average across more than 7,600 ratings, it is the best-value choice here, though it offers no microchip control.
What we like:
- Very low price
- No batteries needed
- Two-way locking
Worth knowing:
- No microchip or key control
- Any animal that fits can use it
Specifications:
- Type: manual 2-way flap
- Size: Small
- Colour: white
- Power: none
Cat Flap Buying Guide
What to Look For When Buying a Cat Flap
Decide whether you need to control access. A microchip or RFID flap keeps other cats out; a manual flap does not. Check the battery life, the lock options and the opening size.
Types of Cat Flap Explained
Manual flaps have a simple lock. Magnetic flaps open for a collar magnet. Microchip flaps read your cat’s chip. App-connected flaps add remote control and notifications.
Size Guide and Fitting
Measure your cat’s widest point and check it against the flap opening. Most flaps fit standard doors; glass, walls and uPVC panels may need an adaptor kit.
How Much Should You Spend?
A manual flap costs around £12-30. Microchip flaps cost £55-85. App-connected models cost £130 or more.
Frequently asked questions
Do microchip cat flaps work with any microchip?
Most work with standard UK microchips, but check the manufacturer’s compatibility list before buying.
Can I fit a cat flap into a glass or uPVC door?
Often yes, but you may need a special mounting adaptor or a professional glazier. Never cut into toughened glass yourself.
Will a cat flap let in draughts or other animals?
A microchip flap keeps other animals out, and a well-sealed flap limits draughts, though no flap is as airtight as a solid door.
How long do the batteries last in an electronic cat flap?
Battery life varies, typically from several months to about a year depending on usage.
How do I train my cat to use a new flap?
Prop the flap open at first and let your cat walk through freely, then lower it gradually while rewarding your cat with treats.
Conclusion
The SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap is our top pick for most homes, thanks to its reliable microchip recognition and thousands of positive reviews.
The SureFlap Connect adds app control for those who want it, the PetSafe microchip door is a strong value alternative, and the Staywell is the simplest budget option.
This roundup is part of our Pet Technology Guide.
