The best security cat flaps are a must if you’ve got an independent feline that loves its freedom and heading out on its own daily adventures. Microchip cat flaps take away the stress of unwelcomed visitors finding their way into your home. Whether that’s other cats from the neighbourhood, slightly less domesticated furry creatures, or worst-case scenario, skilful burglars using it to try and attain your front door keys.
They will provide that safe entryway for your cat, keep your home free from pests, and give you peace of mind. Plus, you can use it to track when your cat is home, especially helpful if they like to keep themselves, and some are surprisingly affordable for the added security. It's certainly a more affordable option than investing in a pet security camera.
Best security cat flaps at a glance:
A microchip cat flap will scan when your cat is nearby and recognise 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 – great for working out where your cat is or when they last popped out. In the UK, domestic cats have to be microchipped by law, so these microchip cat flaps can work for any cat owner.
We’ve shared some of the best microchip security cat flaps for your home and included some cat flap adaptors to help with the installation.
Best security cat flaps
Best battery powered microchip cat flap
SureFlapAvailable in brown or white to match your door, the SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap is one of the most popular options on the market, coming recommended by 97 per cent of customers on Argos alone, and we can see why. It's compatible with all common microchips and RFID collar tags, and can be installed in doors, walls, or windows - whichever suits you and your kitty!
One of its stand out features is the one-button programming function as customers have said that it makes it easy to use. Customers also find that installation process pretty straightforward, because as we've previously mentioned, it can be installed in a variety of openings to suit your home's needs. The downside is that you don't get alerted when the batteries are close to running out so you'll want to check that regularly to make sure the flap is still working as you expect.
Overall, we're really impressed with the security features and the fact it can store the information of a whopping 32 pets. That way, you can make sure only the familiar furry faces are coming through while keeping any stray animal intruders out.
Pros
- Customers found it easy to use and install
- Can store the information of up to 32 pets so great for multi-pet households
Cons
- It doesn’t tell you when the batteries are close to running out so you'll want to keep an eye on the functionality of this flap regularly to ensure it's still working
| Dimensions: | 14.2 x 12cm |
| Installation and use: | You will need a 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. |
Best microchip cat flap for large cats
SureFlapDesigned especially for larger cats (and small dogs), this SureFlap Microchip Pet Door will keep out intruders but make sure your cat feels very welcome.
Very much similar to the SureFlap Cat Flap we've included above, it's so simple to program up to 32 pet identities on the LCD screen so it gets a thumbs up from us for ease of use. Although customers felt it took their cat a little longer to get to grips with how it works so be prepared for a few teething issues while your kitty gets used to it.
The battery issue seems to have been sorted out from the SureFlap Cat Flap as it also has a battery low indicator on the LCD screen so you know when the batteries need to be switched around. The main reason customers reached for this one as it has extra room for their kitty to go through so if you have a bit of a tubby tabby on your hands, this will ensure it has plenty of space for them to come and go as they please.
Pros
- Battery low indicator so you can see when the batteries are close to running out
- A good size for larger cats (and small dogs) to fit through
Cons
- Customers felt it took a while for their kitty to learn how to use it so be prepared for there to be a bit of a teaching period while they get used it
| Dimensions: | 28 x 26 x 12.5cm |
| 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. |
Best microchip cat flap for energy-efficiency
PetsafeUp to 40 pets can have easy access to your home and the outside world with this PetSafe Microchip Activated Cat Flap, which you can use with your cat's existing implanted microchip or PetSafe key fob (not included).
In a time when we're all trying to be as energy efficient as possible, you'll be pleased to know this cat flap has a built-in draught excluder to stop it from letting out the heat and bringing in the cold, as well as magnetic locking points for improved insulation that help with protecting your home from the elements.
A number one best seller in cat flaps on Amazon, it's clearly a popular choice with paw-rents as it has around 15,000 reviews. Some customers have found it to be a little noisy when it unlocks so if your cat can be quite nervy, this could give them a bit of a scare. The positives far outweigh that small negative as it ranks highly for quality, performance and ease of installation. Customers can now rest easy knowing that unwanted neighbourhood cats can no longer make themselves at home in your humble abode.
Pros
- Energy efficient with built-in draft excluder and magnetic locking points for improved insulation
- Highly rated for quality, performance and ease of installation
Cons
- Reviews say it can be noisy so it could scare nervous cats
| Dimensions: | 23.9 x 22 x 12.2cm |
| 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. Requires four AA batteries. |
Best swing microchip cat flap
FerplastThe Ferplast Swing Cat Flap with Microchip means your cat will have no issue using this cat flap as it magically swings open for them as they near. Guaranteed your cat will feel like royalty with this one!
It has a four-way closing system that you can control in four different ways; exit only, entry only, entry and exit and locked door so you can control when your cat goes to explore. This is particularly useful if you want the peace of mind of knowing all your cats can't leave the house when you go to bed for example.
Opinions are mixed on the weather resistance of his flap. As it has an automatic swing, it's been equipped with a wind-stopper system to help keep the draughts outside but some reviewers felt they could still feel the cold coming in from the flap. Customers did love that it's available in two different colours as the brown and white colourways made it more appealing to the eye.
Pros
- Swinging door that opens whatever a registered cat passes so it eliminates the struggle of getting through the flap in the first place
- Four-way closing system so you're in complete control of when your cat can come and go
Cons
- Opinions are mixed on the weather resistance of the flap, some felt like it still let the cold in despite having a wind-stopper system installed
| Dimensions: | 22.5 x 16.2 x 25.2cm |
| 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. Requires six AA batteries. |
Best app-controlled microchip cat flap
Sureflapwww.argos.co.uk
If you want an advanced microchip cat flap with all the bells and whistles, then this SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect and Hub Bundle is it. It's app-controlled, so you will benefit from all the features of a typical microchip cat flap, plus a lot more.
As it's connected to your Smartphone, you'll get notifications on your phone when your cat uses the cat door so you can monitor their comings and goings. The DualScan technology even lets you set exit permissions for each cat, which is useful if you've got one kitty that needs to stay inside because they're recovering from surgery but another that's free to roam as they please.
This cat flap is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by customers on Argos. Customers have found a lot that they like about the SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect and Hub Bundle. There's one review that mentions the hub sometimes loses connectivity to the cat flap but other than that, it has many glowing reviews with customers stating it has been a "game changer" for them and gave them the reassurance they needed for the safety of their cats.
Pros
- App controlled so you get notifications to your phone every time your cat comes and goes
- DualScan technology permits you to set exit permissions for each cat so it's helpful if you've got one cat that needs to stay in and another that's able to roam free
Cons
- One reviewer mentioned the hub does seem to lose connectivity to the cat flap on occasions
| Dimensions: | 21 x 20.8 x 15cm |
| Installation and use: | Both the app and flap itself are easy to install and use. Four AA batteries are required. |
Best microchip cat flap with a timer
Cat MateFor those of you who want added control to protect your pet, this Cat Mate Elite 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 programmable timer function so you can both sleep soundly.
To help you set a schedule for the opening and closing of the cat flap, it has an easy-to-use LCD screen where you can also see the movements of your cat including how many cats are currently in/out of the house and the time since they've last used it. While it might not be as fancy as the Sureflap with its Smartphone notifications, you'll be able to see the information directly on the Cat Mate Cat flap.
The number of cats you can have registered to this device at one time is lower compared to others on our list with only three registered cats at one time but if you have three cats or less, this won't be a problem. Some customers have also reported issues with the timer as it sometimes randomly decides not to lock/unlock when it's been programmed but then others haven't had any issues at all.
Pros
- You can programme lock/unlock times so you can keep your cats indoors every night
- LCD screen for monitoring how many cats are in the house at once, when they last used the flap and more
Cons
- Can only have three cats registered at once which is less than others on our list
| Dimensions: | 24.77 x 14.48 x 26.67cm |
| Installation and use: | Can be installed into single or double glazing, plus wood, wall, and metal. It also requires four AA batteries |
Best microchip cat flap for homes with kittens and adult cats
Sureflapwww.argos.co.uk
The SureFlap Dual Scan Microchip Cat Flap is very similar to the SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap with a microchip or RFID collar tag identification and the fact it can be programmed for up to 32 cats. However, this cat flap is equipped with DualScan Technology so you can set entry and exit permissions for your different animals with each pet being learned at just the push of a button.
There may be occasions where your strictly indoor cat may end up outside as they’ve escaped through an open door or window. These things can happen but the last thing you want is for them to be stuck outside and not be able to get back in. Luckily, this cat flap has an in-built safety mode so your indoor-only pet can use the flap from the outside to get back in the house without being able to get back outside again.
Designed for small and medium-sized cats, this may not be ideal if you've got a larger cat you want to keep tabs on. However, if you’ve got a kitten or average size cats you want to keep an eye on, this will be ideal. Many of the customers have used this for keeping their kittens indoors while their adult cats have been able to roam outside and have found the safety feature particularly useful as they know their kitten’s chip will still be recognised from outside even though they are registered as an indoor cat.,
Pros
- Comes with DualScan Technology to set entry and exit permissions for different pets, useful for homes with kittens and adult cats
- Safety mode ensures that microchips of indoor cats are always recognised from outside so they can get back indoors if they manage to get out of an open window or door
Cons
- It's designed for small and medium sized cats so larger breeds might struggle to fit through
| Dimensions: | 21 x 21 x 14.8cm |
| Installation and use: | Can be installed in wood, uPVC, glass, and walls. Requires four AA batteries. |
Microchip cat flap adaptors
A cat flap adaptor is often required or recommended for you to mount your cat flap into walls, windows, and certain door types. Not only does it help seal and secure the fitting of your microchip cat flap, but it also gives a neat finish.
Best adaptor for wall installations
SureflapThis SureFlap Cat Flap Mounting Adaptor is available in white and brown and creates a more seamless installation on walls. When mounted in glass, this adapter allows mounting in circular holes. It's designed for use with the Sureflap Microchip Cat Flap or the Dual-Scan Cat Flap.
Some customers found it to be overpriced for what it is but others thought it was worth it as it helps to cover holes left from other cat flaps they had installed previously and they also found the screws to be sturdy so they didn't need to use glue for installation.
Pros
- Comes in two colours
- Provides a neat finish
Cons
- Some reviewers thought it was overpriced for what it is
| Dimensions: | 28 x 1 x 28 cm |
Best adaptor for glass installation
Cat MateThis Adapter Kit for Walls and Glass Panels enables effortless installation into walls and glass panels for the Cat Mate Microchip Cat Flap. It's easy to install using basic household tools, such as a screwdriver, hacksaw and electric drill but if you're installing it on glass panels, these will need to be cut by a glazier. Customers like the performance and fit of the pet door - especially how safe it is!
Pros
- Enables easy installation into walls and glass panels
- Offers a tidy finish
Cons
- You may need additional tools for glass installation so be careful
| Dimensions: | 31 x 3 x 31cm |
How we chose the best security cat flaps
All of these security cat flaps have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered quality, durability and affordability in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching security cat flaps to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.
FAQS
Is it worth getting a security cat flap?
We definitely think it's worth getting a security cat flap if you're worried about other neighbour cats coming into your home, scaring your cats and even marking your territory by spraying. They'll only allow the cats that are supposed to be there through the flap. They also make for great cat trackers so you can easily see whether they're home or out exploring. Some are smart enough that you can see the times when they leave home and arrive back again so you can understand more about their roaming habits.
How do you put in a microchip cat flap?
If you're putting your cat flap into a glass door or wall, we'd recommend hiring a professional to fit the installation as you'll require specialist tools. However, you can install a cat flap into a wooden or plastic surface of your own accord using a drill and jigsaw.
First of all, you'll need to measure the ideal position of your cat flap so your cat can easily hop through. It should be as high as your cat's legs. Next, using the provided template or cat flap frame, draw the size of the cat flap hole onto your door, before drilling through each corner and connecting the dots using your jigsaw blade.
The video above provides a more in-depth, step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Take A Break Pets, specialising in small pets. Having been a pet-parent to bunnies and hamsters, she knows just how to care for these little fluffs as well as making sure pets of all sizes are happy and healthy.