Are you looking for a solution to allow your indoor/outdoor cat to let themselves in or out of your home? Or, do you want to allow your cat to access a room in your home that has a closed door? A microchip cat door is a great option to consider since it will only allow your cat access to your home or a specific room.
To select the best microchip cat door, read through our reviews of the five best products on the market. Then, you'll be able to get your new cat door installed and ready for your cat to use.
Top 5: Microchip Cat Doors Review
Product Image & Rating (Out Of 10) | Product Name | Price |
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9.9 |
The Pet Mate Cat Mate Elite Chip and Disc Cat Flap offers flexible options for how you can use it. You can either program this door to work with your cat's existing microchip, or you can purchase a collar ID disc for your cat to use. Whichever method you choose, your cat will be able to enter or leave your house without risking allowing unwanted animals entry to your home.
This product is 5.7 inches wide and 10.5 inches high. It features a zippered closure. There is an LCD display that allows you to monitor the lock status, location of your cat, and when the door was last used. You can monitor up to three cats.
You can program the door to only let your cats in or only let them out. You can also set the door to be locked or unlocked. This product will require four AA batteries. To keep your home at your desired temperature and prevent air from escaping, this product is draft and weatherproof.
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With the SureFlap Microchip Cat Door, you can be confident that only your cat will have access to the door. This product uses RFID to read your cat's microchip and will only let him or her in or out.
If your cat does not have a microchip, you can purchase RFID collar togs from SureFlap that will work with this product. This product is compatible with microchips that have 9, 10, or 15 digits. It can recognize and work with up to 32 separate IDs.
The opening for this product measure 4 ¾ inches high and 5 5/8 inches wide. You can choose to install this product in doors, windows, or walls.
This product requires four AA batteries to operate. There is a low battery indicator light to let you know when you need to change the batteries. A three-year warranty is included with your purchase of this item.
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The PetSafe Microchip Cat Door has an RFID reader that is designed to read your cat's microchip. It will only allow your cat access to your home and will not let other stray animals inside.
This product can learn up to 40 different IDs. So, if you have multiple cats, they will all be able to use this product. If any of your cats do not have a microchip, you can purchase collar keys from PetSafe that can be programmed to work with this product.
As long as your cat's chip has 15 digits, you will be able to use this product. You can check with your veterinarian if you are unsure of your cat's number.
There are four different lock settings you can choose from. They are "in or out," "in only," "out only," or "fully locked." This will help you keep track of your cats and only allow them to access the door when you want them to.
This product requires four AA alkaline batteries to work. There is an indicator light to let you know when the batteries are getting low. To make this product energy efficient, it has weather stripping. There are also two magnetic locking points to decrease drafts.
There are numerous options available for installing this product. It can be installed into wood, metal, glass, brick, and other surfaces. Some of these installation methods will require extra accessories, which you will need to purchase separately.
Pros
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The Cat Mate Microchip Cat Door is compatible with chips that have 9, 10, or 15 digits. It can be set up to recognize as many as 30 cats. RFID discs are available to purchase separately if your cat does not have a microchip.
When you purchase this product, you will be able to easily control and monitor your cat's access to outside. It features a four-way lock, so you can set it to only allow your cat in, only let them out, let them in or out, or you can lock the door completely to prevent any access.
This product's flap measures 5 ¾ inches wide and 6 inches high. This larger size will allow you to use it with some larger cats.To prevent air escaping or drafts, the transparent flap is seal using magnetic closures. This makes the seal both draft proof and weather proof.
You will need four AA batteries to use this product. When the batteries need to be changed, there is an indicator light that will flash to alert you. To protect your purchase, this product comes with a three-year guarantee.
Pros
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If you are looking for a product that will allow you to easily monitor your pet's use of the cat door, then look into purchasing the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect with Hub Value Bundle.
In addition to working as a microchip cat door, this product can be connected with the app and hub to allow you to monitor your pets using your mobile device. With this product, you can also lock or unlock the door when you are away from home. The Sure Petcare App allows you to control your door to keep your pets safe.
This item can be set up to recognize as many as 32 different pets, so you should be able to easily set it up for all of your cats. It is compatible with 9-, 10-, or 15-digit microchip numbers. Plus, you can purchase RFID tags if your cat has not been microchipped.
To operate this product, you will need four C batteries. Depending on the frequency of use, the batteries in this product should last for about a year. There is also a low battery indicator light that will flash to let you know when the batteries need to be changed.
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Buying Guide
If you have indoor and outdoor cats, a microchip cat door is a great product to invest in. With this product, your cats can have access to both the outdoors and the indoors, without allowing other unwanted wildlife indoors. Plus, you are able to lock or unlock the doors to control when your pets can come inside or go outside.
Before you purchase a new microchip cat door, there are a few things you should think about. First, determine how many digits are in your cat's ID number. Some products are only compatible with ID numbers that have a certain number of digits, so you'll want to make sure that you pick a product that will work with your cat's microchip.
You should also determine the control you'll be able to have over the door. Can you lock it for cats going in, going out, or to prevent all access? How easy is it to do this?
If you are away from your home often and want to be able to control the door from remote locations, then you might want to consider investing in an option that allows you to control the system and monitor your cats using an app on your phone.
best microchip cat door
The five options that we reviewed above are all great products. Our top pick, however, is the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect with Hub Value Bundle.
We chose this item as our top pick, because it offers many of the same great features present in the other models along with some bonus features. Just like most of the others, this product will allow you control over how the door is locked and whether your cats have access to the outside, inside, or the door in general.
This product is also compatible with 9-, 10-, or 15-digit ID numbers, so it is pretty likely that it will work with your cat's microchip.
What makes this product stand out is its ability to be connected with your phone to make it easier to control the product when you are away from your home. The app will allow you to lock or unlock the door and monitor your cats' usage of the door to enter or exit your home. This is a very handy feature that is not offered by the other products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does a Microchip Cat Door Work?
They can allow your cat to let themselves in and out of your home on their own. It also stops other cats or small animals from gaining access to your home. They have a sensor that will only allow the door to open when it senses your cat's microchip.
How Much Does It Cost to Microchip a Cat?
The cost will probably vary slightly with different veterinarians and different options, but the average cost is about $45.
How Big Does a Cat Door Need to Be?
Most cats will be able to fit through a door that is about a six-inch square. If you are not sure if your cat will be able to fit through the cat door you are interested in purchasing, you can cut a whole in a piece of cardboard that is the same size as the door to see if your cat can fit through it.
How Much Does a Microchip Cat Door Cost?
Different models will cost different amounts. You can expect to spend between $100 and $250 on a new microchip cat door.
8 reasons to get a microchip cat door
Your life as a pet owner can become much easier if you start using a microchip cat door. These doors are also called:- Microchip cat flaps
- Electronic cat doors
- Smart cat doors
Did you know that using one might even lower the amount of stress your cat is experiencing? Let’s discuss what a microchip cat door is and then the various reasons why installing one is a good idea.
What Is a Microchip Cat Door?
A microchip cat flap works just like any cat door. The difference is that it only opens after identifying that your cat has been provided permission to gain access through the door.
Identification is provided by a microchip that’s coded to the cat door. If you own multiple cats, then the door remains locked for any cats (or other pets and wildlife) that you haven’t provided permission to.
After buying one of these cat doors, you’ll have the device read your cat’s microchip as your pet walks close to it. You can then program the smart cat door to either open or remain locked for that specific microchip number.
Let’s now review the best reasons for why using a microchip cat door is a good idea.
Keep Other Cats, Small Dogs Or Wildlife From Entering Your Home
Any time an animal without a microchip, or with a chip that wasn’t programmed for access, tries to walk through the door, they simply can’t gain access because it won’t open for them. There is a scanner located at the top of the flap unit that looks for these microchip codes.
Most models have the ability to store as many as 50 microchip numbers. You won’t have any trouble using it to control multiple cats unless you’re a serious “cat lady”.
The best part about this is that it eliminates stress that you might have never known your cat experiences. Cats don’t need to worry about foreign animals invading their space when they learn that the door simply won’t open for them.
Avoid The Need For Magnet Collars
There are magnet-activated cat doors on the market. These work by opening the door when a magnet worn by your cat comes into close proximity with the unit.
The challenge is that your cat must wear a bulky magnet on its collar. The other disadvantage is that any other cat with a similar magnet can gain access to your house.
Establish a Consistent Schedule For Your Cat
One of the best benefits of using a microchip cat door is the fact that you can program which times the door will open for your cat. This helps create consistency with your pet’s routine, which is another factor in reducing your cat’s stress levels.
The other advantage is that you don’t need to be present to keep this routine for your cat. Your cat can use the door to get into its food or to go outside whether you’re late getting home from work or sleeping in on the weekend.
Program Different Times For Different Cats
Do you have multiple cats? If so, then you can let different cats gain access through the smart cat door at various times that match their unique routines.
When might this be an advantage to you? One example might be when one of your cats has a vet appointment. Have you ever had difficulty finding your cat because they haven’t come home yet from hunting around the neighborhood? You can program the unit to let other cats out ahead of the appointment while keeping the cat with the appointment inside.
This feature also makes it more convenient when your cat has medication it needs to take each day. Schedule the door’s routine to make sure your cat is inside when it’s time to provide the medication.
A smart cat flap gives you remote access via your smartphone. Let’s say you’re at work and notice that a severe rainstorm is about to hit your town. Using your smartphone, you can adjust the cat door to lock and make sure your cat remains inside and safe.
Another instance when you might be happy to have remote access is on July 4th. Did you leave the house to celebrate and forget that your cats will become scared if they’re outside when fireworks start going off? All you need to do is lock them inside from your cell phone no matter where you might be located.
Monitor Your Cat’s Routine & Overall Activity
You can gauge the health of your cat by monitoring their routine. Do they seem to be coming and going on a regular basis? Are they active or does it appear like their routine has slowed down? The reason could be that they’re sick and it’s time to head down to the vet for a check-up session.
It’s easy to track how often your cat uses the microchip cat door each day. If you notice that their use of the door has dropped dramatically, then it’s a sign to check their health status. Identifying health challenges sooner than later is important.
Gain Peace Of Mind With a Chipped Pet
This is especially important if your pet is an outside cat. You’ll gain peace of mind if your cat ever goes missing and you know you can track them down via their microchip.
If your cat was unfortunately hit by a car or has run into some sort of trouble, then you’ll be notified if anyone brings them into a shelter or animal treatment center. Their microchip will show up on the national database and this will result in someone making contact with you to let you know what’s happened.
Eliminate Drafts
Most non-smart pet doors are typically drafty. A microchip cat door usually comes with an insulated flap. They make for a more energy-efficient home because these flaps don’t allow any air to pass through. The best type to buy is one with a gasket seal.
Now that you understand the main benefits of buying a microchip cat door, let’s look at important things to keep in mind when purchasing one.
Microchip vs Trackable Collar
You might wonder whether you should microchip your cat or simply provide them a collar that has the chip inside it. The microchip version is probably the better way to go. If you have an indoor cat, then you might not even use a collar.
By the way, why would an indoor cat need a smart cat door? There are reasons for this, such as:
- You can keep a small dog or other cats from gaining access to another cat’s food unit
- You can control which cats can gain access to the rest of the house (think about adult cats gaining access out of the kitchen while a potty-training kitten stays put)
If your cat does wear a collar, then you’re always worried about whether they might lose it. This could happen by getting pulled off in a fight or becoming snagged inside a tree or bush. Your poor cat won’t be able to get back inside the house on their own when they return.
Some smart pet doors require collars that use a battery. The challenge here is that your cat loses the ability to use the door whenever the battery loses the charge.
Consider The Door’s Size
The worst thing you can do is buy a smart cat door that isn’t the right size for your pet. There are vital factors to consider when it comes to selecting the correct door size. Many microchip cat doors comes in larger sizes when your cat:
- Weighs more than the average cat
- Doesn’t enjoy trying to squeeze through tiny spaces
- Experiences fluctuations with weight and is a bit chubby sometimes
- Is a larger breed
Make sure you go with the bigger size if your cat has any of the above issues. It’s easier to work with the correct size from the beginning as opposed to replacing it later.
It’s a wise idea to go with a bigger microchip cat door even if you have a kitten or smaller cat. What happens if you get a larger cat down the road or your kitten grows to be quite big? There’s absolutely no way to know ahead of time how large a kitten will get. Keep in mind that cats continue growing all the way up to age four.
What Is a Microchip?
A microchip is a very small implant. Each one is typically sized about the same as one grain of rice. It gives your cat a permanent and uniquely-coded identification number and you don't ever need to worry about using a tag or collar again.
Your cat's microchip is readable by a computer. In the case of a smart cat door, the chip is read by a scanner that sits within the door unit. Every microchip has its specific number entered into a national database and is tied to your owner information.
This information includes your name, phone number and home address. That's why you can be notified any time your cat might happen to be brought into a shelter or vet by a stranger.
Will a Cat’s Microchip Wear Out?
The interesting thing about microchips is that they have an indefinite lifetime because they don’t use batteries. Your smart cat door’s scanner provides a small amount of power to the microchip that's required to make the reading.
Your pet’s microchip should last throughout your cat’s entire life because there isn’t any limit to how many times it can be read by the scanner.
You should know that a microchip can sometimes fail. This is similar to when your credit card’s strip is no longer readable at the grocery store’s pay station. If you think the microchip has failed, then you’ll need to get it replaced with a working one.
Where Can You Get Your Pet Microchipped?
Your vet can get the job done by using a quick and painless procedure. The microchip is injected into your cat between the shoulder blades. Again, it doesn't cause your cat any pain.
Is All Information Kept Intact When Changing a Cat Door's Batteries?
Yes, your cat's unique chip number remains stored inside the smart cat door unit's computer whether its batteries run out or not. You can change its batteries without needing to worry about functionality.
Does a Microchip Pet Door Really Work With Multiple Cats?
Most electronic cat doors can separate dozens of cats via their unique microchip numbers. You will have no problems programming your door to work differently based on each cat’s unique routine.
What Type Of Door Is Optimal For a Smart Cat Door?
Most microchip cat doors work with all types of doors, including:
- Single-glazed doors
- Double-glazed doors
- Triple-glazed doors
You can even install one in a window. However, you should bring in a professional glazier when cutting through glass or a window. It requires specialized skills to cut through glass without causing permanent damage.
You now know everything you need to know about microchip cat doors, such as:
- Why it's a good idea to buy one
- How they work
- How they benefit both you and your cat
Take your time when shopping for a smart cat door. Compare various models, select one that best fits your needs and enjoy all the benefits.
Final Verdict
Now, you'll need to decide whether you agree with us about which microchip cat door is the best, or if there was a different product that you preferred. After you have made your final decision, be sure to place your order right away so your cat will be able to easily enter or exit your home.
