Trixie 4-Way Cat Flap with Tunnel, Grey, 578 g

Product Information

Like all the cat flaps on our list, this one is operated by your cat’s implanted microchip to keep local feline friends and foes outside. It’s compatible with 9, 10, and 15-digit microchips and can be used by up to nine cats, although there are better options if you’re specifically looking for a multi-cat option.

The PetSafe Microchip Activated Cat Flap is a great option for anyone on a budget, plus it is compatible with all of the most common microchips. Not only does the PetSafe cat flap allow for access to up to 40 cats, but it works in the most energy efficient way, acting as a draught excluder with two magnetic closing points that increase insulation. It also has weather stripping to provide protection from the elements, meaning this cat flap will withstand the test of time. This cat flap requires 4 AA batteries. These should easily last 6 months before they require replacing and have been known to last as long as 12 months with just one cat using it. While the gadget isn’t particularly attractive, it is simple to set up with one-button programming, and offers incredible flexibility for multi-cat homes, making life a little easier so that there’s more time to play with your pets. It can be installed in doors, windows and walls (with the aid of accessory kits sold separately) and is powered by four AA batteries which last up to 12 months – although probably not if it is being used by 32 cats!If you live somewhere that is prone to lots of rain or snow, you should also look for flaps that promise to withstand tough weather conditions. You will also require a Cat Mate Adapter Kit for Walls and Glass Panels (Ref. 361) as this provide the Adapter between the Door/Flap and the tunnel, and also provides a neat faceplate for both inside and outside. A microchip cat flap removes this risk factor and stops the unknown cat from being able to re-enter the house. The original cat can then learn that their core territory is safe again.”

Threshold: This door comes with a standard point; you can upgrade to Low Aluminium Threshold in the options above. Cill options are available. The Petsafe Microchip cat flap takes your insulation seriously, cutting a big hole out of your door to install a cat flap can compromise the heat retention capabilities of your door. If you’ve got more than one cat, the Dual Scan from Sure Petcare could be just the cat flap you’re looking for. It works with both microchips and the SureFlap RFID collar tag but allows you to programme it for individual cats. Setup is easy, with one-button programming. However, this flap is marginally slower to open than some others and this may take your cat a little while to get used to, so be patient. The cat flap has a green light that appears when a chip is read successfully, and the LED light will also indicate when the battery is running low. Powered by four AA batteries, battery life is impressive at around 12 months. This is a particularly useful feature too for households where you may also use this cat flap for a small dog that you may not wish to have the same level of freedom as your cat. It is also good for households with young ‘teenage’ cats which you may be looking to slowly introduce to the outside world, but you want to limit their outdoor time until they are a bit older.

Our roundup of the best microchip cat flaps will have your cat purring in approval

There is, however, one way an intruder cat may be able to get in: by tailgating. This is rather unavoidable because a neighborhood cat can easily get up close to your feline's bottom and seize the opportunity to enter while the flap is still fully open. Another animal could also place a sneaky paw within an open door to prevent it from closing again. The easy to use L.E.D system will flash when your cat has been successfully registered with the cat flap and can support up to 30 I.D tags if necessary. These doors can also be used in sheds cages or external kennels in catteries to create sanctuaries for your cat that they can use. It can also be programmed to work with up to 40 separate microchips, so again this would be a great option for catteries and multi-cat households…just make sure you get a good supply of highly effective AA batteries (it requires 4) if you have 40 cats coming in and out of it everyday as they will need regular changing.