Best Microchip Cat Flap UK: Top 5 Microchip-Reading Cat Doors Reviewed
The Cat Mate Microchip Activated Cat Flap (360) is the best microchip cat flap in the UK for most owners, combining an affordable £54.99 price with reliable RFID scanning for up to 30 pets and a solid
Best Microchip Cat Flap UK: Top 5 Microchip-Reading Cat Doors Reviewed
The Cat Mate Microchip Activated Cat Flap (360) is the best microchip cat flap in the UK for most owners, combining an affordable £54.99 price with reliable RFID scanning for up to 30 pets and a solid 4.3-star rating. If you want premium features, the PetSafe Petporte Smart Flap (£138.99) offers advanced technology with wall and door mounting. For overall value and proven durability, the Sure Petcare SureFlap at £69.99 remains the UK's most trusted microchip flap.
Key Takeaways
- Microchip cat flaps read your cat's implanted chip, letting only registered pets in whilst keeping strays and neighbouring cats out.
- Battery-powered models (4 x AA) typically last 6–12 months, and most will work with RFID collar tags as a backup for unmicrochipped pets.
- Prices range from £54.99 for budget options up to £138.99 for advanced models with dual-direction scanning.
- All five flaps reviewed here fit standard doors, UPVC panels, and walls — but check cut-out dimensions before buying.
- The SureFlap and PetSafe brands dominate the UK market with combined ratings from over 40,000 customer reviews.
Microchip Cat Flap Comparison Table
| Product | Type | Price | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Cat Mate Microchip Cat Flap (360) |
Microchip + RFID collar tag | £54.99 | Best budget pick | Check Price |
 Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap |
Microchip + RFID collar tag | £69.99 | Best overall | Check Price |
PetSafe Microchip Cat Door (White) |
Microchip + RFID collar tag | £65.98 | Best value | Check Price |
 PetSafe Microchip Cat Door (Brown) |
Microchip + RFID collar tag | £72.99 | Best for traditional doors | Check Price |
 PetSafe Petporte Smart Flap |
Microchip, advanced technology | £138.99 | Best premium pick | Check Price |
Our Top 5 Microchip Cat Flaps Reviewed
Cat Mate Microchip Activated Cat Flap (360) – For Cats and Small Dogs, Accommodates up to 30 Pets, for Single/Multiple glazing, UPVC, walls and Wood, White
The Cat Mate 360 is the standout budget option in this lineup, and it earns its place through a combination of genuine affordability and dependable performance. At just £54.99, it reads your cat's existing microchip and can store up to 30 pet identities, making it suitable for multi-cat households or small dogs. It also comes with a programmable RFID collar tag for pets that aren't microchipped, which is a thoughtful inclusion at this price point. With over 5,000 reviews and a 4.3-star average rating, it's clear that UK cat owners rate this flap highly.
Installation is straightforward across single and double glazing, UPVC panels, wooden doors, and walls. The four-way locking system gives you full control — you can set it to in-only, out-only, fully locked, or fully open depending on the time of day and your cat's routine. The flap itself is suitably weatherproof, with a brush-sealed opening that keeps draughts to a minimum. Battery life is solid, with the C batteries (not included) typically lasting several months under normal use.
Price: £54.99 | Capacity: Up to 30 pets | Power: 4 x C batteries (not included) | Rating: 4.3/5 (5,197 reviews)
👉 Check the latest price on Amazon UK
Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap, RFID Collar Tags and Microchip Compatible, One-Button Control, Install in Doors, Windows and Walls, White, 4 x AA Batteries Required Not Included
The SureFlap from Sure Petcare is the model that effectively created the microchip cat flap market in the UK, and it remains the benchmark against which all others are measured. At £69.99, it sits in the middle of the price range but delivers a level of refinement that justifies the cost. The one-button programming is genuinely simple — you press the button, let your cat through once, and the flap memorises their microchip. That's it. No fiddly menus or confusing setup procedures.
What sets the SureFlap apart is its build quality and the thoughtful design details. The flap uses a rotary latch mechanism that locks firmly into place, which prevents other animals from forcing their way in — a common complaint with cheaper conventional flaps. It runs on 4 x AA batteries (not included) that last roughly 6 to 12 months, and a clear low-battery indicator means you won't get caught out. The SureFlap is compatible with all standard 15-digit microchips and also works with Sure Petcare RFID collar tags for unmicrochipped pets.
Installation works across doors, windows, and walls, though wall mounting requires a separate mounting adaptor (sold separately). The white finish is neutral enough for most homes, and the cut-out dimensions are compatible with many existing cat flap holes, making it a popular upgrade from conventional flaps.
Price: £69.99 | Capacity: Up to 32 pets | Power: 4 x AA batteries (not included) | Rating: 4.6/5
👉 Check the latest price on Amazon UK
PetSafe Microchip Cat Door - Exterior or Interior Cat Flap - Multi-User RFID Access for up to 40 Pets - 4-Way Locking, Weatherproof, DIY Easy Install - White
The white version of the PetSafe Microchip Cat Door offers excellent value at £65.98, sitting comfortably between the budget Cat Mate and the SureFlap. PetSafe is a household name in pet products, and this flap brings their reputation for reliability to the microchip market. It can store up to 40 pet identities — more than any other flap on this list — which makes it ideal for breeders, rescue centres, or anyone with a large multi-cat household.
The four-way locking mechanism lets you control access precisely: open both ways, in-only, out-only, or completely locked. This is particularly useful for keeping cats in at night or during fireworks season. The weatherproof design includes a thermal sealing flap that reduces draughts, and the DIY installation process is well-documented with clear instructions suitable for UPVC, wooden, and metal doors.
The white finish suits modern interiors and blends well with white UPVC doors, which are common in UK homes. Battery life is comparable to competitors, and the flap gives a clear signal when batteries need replacing. For owners who want a trusted brand name and don't need app connectivity, this is a strong, sensible choice.
Price: £65.98 | Capacity: Up to 40 pets | Power: 4 x AA batteries (not included) | Locking: 4-way manual
👉 Check the latest price on Amazon UK
PetSafe Microchip Cat Door - Exterior or Interior Cat Flap - Multi-User RFID Access for up to 40 Pets - 4-Way Locking, Weatherproof, DIY Easy Install - Brown
Functionally identical to the white version above, the brown PetSafe Microchip Cat Door is included here because colour matters more than you might think. If you have a traditional wooden door — particularly oak, mahogany, or walnut — a white cat flap sticks out like a sore thumb. The brown finish blends naturally with timber doors, period properties, and cottage-style homes where aesthetics matter as much as function.
At £72.99, it carries a small premium over the white variant, but the core specifications are the same: up to 40 pet identities, four-way locking, weatherproof construction, and easy DIY installation. With a 4.1-star rating from nearly 19,000 reviews, this is one of the most-reviewed microchip cat flaps on Amazon UK, giving you confidence that it performs reliably over the long term.
The flap opening is suitably sized for most cats and small dogs, and the RFID scanning is fast enough that pets rarely have to wait at the door. One thing worth noting: the brown version is slightly harder to find in stock than the white, so if you see it available, it's worth snapping up if you have a wooden door.
Price: £72.99 | Capacity: Up to 40 pets | Power: 4 x AA batteries (not included) | Rating: 4.1/5 (18,927 reviews)
👉 Check the latest price on Amazon UK
PetSafe Petporte Smart Flap Microchip Cat Flap - Advanced Technology, Wall & Door Mount Compatible
The PetSafe Petporte Smart Flap sits at the top end of the market at £138.99, and it earns that price tag through genuinely advanced features that the other flaps on this list can't match. Originally developed as a high-end microchip reader, the Petporte uses sophisticated scanning technology that reads a cat's microchip from a greater distance, meaning your cat doesn't need to press right up against the flap before it unlocks. This makes a real difference for nervous or hesitant cats who dislike waiting at the door.
The Smart Flap is compatible with both wall and door mounting, offering flexibility for homes where door installation isn't practical. The build quality is noticeably more robust than the cheaper models, with a heavier-duty flap and stronger locking mechanism. It also includes a veterinary-approved light mode that helps cats locate the flap after dark — a thoughtful detail for cats that roam at night.
With a 4.1-star rating from over 2,000 reviews, the Petporte is well-regarded by owners who need its premium features. It's not the right choice for everyone — if you just need a basic microchip reader, the Cat Mate or SureFlap will do the job for half the price. But if you want the most advanced technology available, faster scanning, and additional features like the night light, the Petporte justifies its premium positioning.
Price: £138.99 | Capacity: Multiple pets | Power: Mains or battery | Rating: 4.1/5 (2,072 reviews)
👉 Check the latest price on Amazon UK
How to Choose the Best Microchip Cat Flap
Selecting the right microchip cat flap comes down to a handful of practical considerations. Here's what to think about before you buy.
Microchip Compatibility
All the flaps in this guide read standard 15-digit FDX-B microchips, which is the type used by virtually all UK vets and rescue centres. If your cat was chipped in the UK, any of these flaps will work. If you have a pet chipped abroad, check compatibility — most European chips are also FDX-B, but some older 10-digit chips may require an RFID collar tag backup.
Number of Pets
If you have one or two cats, any flap will suffice. For larger households, pay attention to storage capacity. The PetSafe models lead with support for up to 40 pets, followed by the SureFlap at 32, and the Cat Mate at 30. These figures matter for breeders and rescues, but are generous enough that most owners will never hit the limit.
Installation Location
Think about where the flap will go. All five models fit standard wooden and UPVC doors. Double-glazed units require a flap specifically rated for glazing (the Cat Mate 360 is a good choice here). Wall installation is possible with all models but typically requires a separate mounting adaptor or tunnel liner, which adds to the overall cost. Measure your intended location carefully and compare it against the manufacturer's cut-out dimensions before purchasing.
Battery Life and Power Options
Most microchip flaps run on 4 x AA or C batteries, with typical lifespans of 6–12 months depending on usage. Look for a clear low-battery indicator. The PetSafe Petporte is unique in offering mains power as an option, which eliminates battery changes entirely — useful if your flap is in a location where running a power cable is practical.
Budget
You can spend anywhere from £55 to £140. The Cat Mate 360 at £54.99 is the cheapest option that still delivers reliable microchip reading. The SureFlap at £69.99 represents the best balance of price and quality for most owners. The PetSafe Petporte at £138.99 is worth the premium only if you specifically need its advanced features.
Locking Modes
Four-way locking (open both ways, in-only, out-only, locked) is standard across all five models. This lets you control your cat's access — useful for keeping them in at night, during bonfire night, or when you're away. If you want remote locking control or scheduling, look at the higher-end Sure Petcare connected models, though these are priced above the flaps in this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a microchip cat flap work?
A microchip cat flap contains a small RFID scanner in the frame. When your cat approaches the flap, the scanner reads their implanted microchip. If the chip matches a stored identity, the lock disengages and the cat can push through. Unregistered animals — including neighbouring cats, foxes, and strays — are blocked because their chip isn't recognised. Most flaps also work with RFID collar tags for pets that aren't microchipped.
Will a microchip cat flap work with my cat's existing microchip?
Yes, in almost all cases. UK vets implant 15-digit FDX-B microchips, which is the standard format that all the flaps in this guide are designed to read. Simply programme the flap by pressing the learn button and letting your cat through once. If your cat was chipped many years ago or abroad, check with the manufacturer, but compatibility issues are rare.
Can other cats get through a microchip cat flap?
Registered cats can enter, but unregistered animals are physically locked out. The flap uses a latch mechanism that only releases when a recognised microchip is detected. However, no flap is 100% foolproof — very determined or large animals may occasionally force the flap. The SureFlap's rotary latch is generally considered the most secure against forced entry.
How long do the batteries last in a microchip cat flap?
Most microchip cat flaps run on 4 x AA or C batteries that last between 6 and 12 months under normal use. Battery life depends on how many times the flap is used each day. All the models reviewed here include a low-battery indicator so you can replace batteries before they run flat. The PetSafe Petporte also offers mains power to eliminate battery changes.
Can I install a microchip cat flap in a glass door or window?
Yes, but you'll need a flap rated for glazing installation. The Cat Mate Microchip Cat Flap (360) is specifically designed for single and double glazing. For other models, you may need a separate glazing adaptor kit. If you have double-glazed sealed units, the hole must be cut before the unit is sealed — you can't modify an existing sealed unit, so you'll need to order a new pre-cut panel.
Are microchip cat flaps worth the extra cost over a standard cat flap?
For most UK cat owners, yes. Standard cat flaps let any animal wander in, which can lead to fights, stress, spraying, and stolen food. A microchip flap prevents this by only allowing your cats access. Given that prices start at £54.99 — not dramatically more than a quality conventional flap — the peace of mind is well worth the investment.