Cat Gadgets Comfort Health & Safety

SureFlap Microchip Cat Door Review: the Most Innovative Flap in 2024?

SureFlap Microchip Pet Door for cats
Written by Clair Chesterman

While it might still be a tad early to make it official, I’d confidently say that SureFlap’s Microchip Cat Door takes the crown as the most innovative cat door or flap on the market right now.

In this comprehensive review, we’re diving deep into the world of the SureFlap Microchip Cat Door. While we’re boldly claiming it’s likely the most innovative flap of 2024, keep in mind that this review covers not just the standard SureFlap Cat Flap but also the DualScan and the upgraded model, the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect.

By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the key differences between the SureFlap Cat Flap, DualScan, and the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect. And, most importantly, I’ll explain why they all come together in this all-inclusive SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap review. Let’s jump in!

What Is the SureFlap Microchip Cat Door?

SureFlap Microchip cat Door

The SureFlap White Microchip Cat Door is, in essence, an automated pet door that seamlessly syncs with your cat’s microchip, offering or denying access based on your predefined settings. It’s worth noting that it can effortlessly recognize your pet’s existing microchip, and for added convenience, you also receive a SureFlap RFID collar tag with each purchase of the SureFlap Microchip Cat Door.

Now, let’s delve into the ingenious features of the SureFlap dual-scan microchip cat flap. This remarkable device not only automates your cat’s entries and exits but also acts as a vigilant guardian, ensuring that no unwanted intruders invade your home through the same pet flap.

One standout feature that I absolutely adore is the SureFlap microchip cat flap timer. This functionality allows you to establish curfews for your cat, deciding when they can venture outdoors and when it’s time to return home. Gone are the days of midnight scrambles to secure the flap or those anxiety-ridden checks in the dark. Thanks to this door, I now receive instant alerts whenever one of my cats goes outside, along with an easy-to-access overview of their current whereabouts. It eliminates all guesswork and the occasional lapses in memory. Between 10 PM and 7 AM, I can rest assured that my beloved feline family members are safely tucked indoors. Furthermore, the accompanying app even provides insights into my cats’ activity patterns, showcasing the times they typically venture out and return.

Now, let’s talk specifics. The SureFlap dual-scan microchip cat flap operates on battery power, ensuring uninterrupted functionality. Its generous door opening measures approximately 120 mm in height and 142 mm in width, making it suitable for small to medium-sized cats and even petite dogs.

However, if you have larger furry friends, there’s also the option of the SureFlap microchip cat door, boasting dimensions of 178 mm in height and 170 mm in width. These thoughtful design features cater to a wide range of pet sizes, ensuring that every member of your fur family can enjoy the benefits of this innovative cat door.

I also personally love this video review.

Our Experience with the SureFlap White Microchip Cat Door

SureFlap Microchip cat Door design

While I’ve previously shared our experiences with the SureFlap White Microchip Cat Door, particularly the nifty curfew setting, I’d like to delve into how we acclimated our cats to this sleek and futuristic entryway.

Following the instructions provided with the SureFlap White Microchip Cat Door, our first step was to download the associated app. During setup, we also registered our cats’ microchips to ensure the door could recognize them and adhere to the schedules we’d configured.

Additionally, we set up the included smart hub for the SureFlap White Microchip Cat Door and connected it to our WiFi network, enabling seamless control of the door’s functions.

Now, let’s talk about training. In our multi-cat household, we relied on our knowledge that our feline friends are primarily motivated by food. So, we used treats to encourage them to pass through the SureFlap White Microchip Cat Door. It was oddly satisfying to be at work on the third day of owning the SureFlap and receive a notification that one of our cats was already adeptly using it to come and go as they pleased.

Should you encounter any hiccups, fear not. Troubleshooting the SureFlap White Microchip Cat Door is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive design and the comprehensive manual that accompanies it. Moreover, we’ve heard excellent feedback about their customer care, so assistance is readily available if needed.

Sureflap Cat Door Problems

SureFlap Microchip Pet Door dimensions

SureFlap microchip cat flap problems may sometimes arise, especially with cats who are early users of the product. Some felines simply take a bit longer to adapt to the new design. In my case, it took my cats more than three days to become fully accustomed to it.

For cat owners who allow their feline friends to tend to their “business” outdoors, there might be some additional training involved. My sister, for instance, has the SureFlap DualScan Microchip Cat Door, and her cat typically had scheduled outings for her outdoor needs. After installing the door, my sister initially assumed her cat would venture out independently. However, she soon realized her poor kitty was anxiously waiting by the door during her usual pooping and peeing hours, expecting someone to let her out. They had to retrain her to go outside whenever she pleased, using the SureFlap Microchip Cat Door for seamless access.

Pet Door, Pet Flap, Flap Connect, and Door Connect

SureFlap Microchip Pet Door tunnel depth

Now, let’s dive into the somewhat confusing part. Remember when I mentioned the updated version of the product, the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect? Well, here’s the scoop: the “Connect” models are the ones that can be remotely controlled via your WiFi. The older models, like the ones we have, are essentially the same, but they lack remote control capabilities. Oh, and while I’ve been using “flap” and “door” interchangeably in this review, I want to clarify that they are two distinct models. The SureFlap Cat Flap is smaller in size, while the SureFlap Pet Doors are slightly larger.

For a full list of the sizes and specifications available you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.surepetcare.com and also for detail differences.

The verdict on the SureFlap Microchip Cat Door

As I mentioned earlier, it might be a tad too early in the year to make such a confident claim, but I’m quite comfortable asserting that the SureFlap Microchip Cat Door and its series could very well be the most innovative pet flap. I don’t see anyone surpassing the feature set or versatility that this line has to offer.

If we’re being critical, we can only nitpick at its weaknesses. Even some of the complaints I’ve come across online from users seem a bit far-fetched, like raccoons allegedly tailing their cats and sneaking in before the door locks, or something to that effect.

Would I recommend you buy it? Absolutely. I’ve been thoroughly impressed with all the products I’ve purchased from Sure Pet Care, the makers of the SureFlap Microchip Cat Door. Their innovative solutions, such as their SureFeeders, have been game-changers in our household, and we’ve grown to love them for their safe and reliable pet products.

Just be sure to visit their website and take a close look at their product lineup to find the one that best suits you and your pets based on their pet door offerings. Keep in mind that the differences are often quite minor, such as door sizes or online options, but they can make all the difference between a fantastic product experience and a potentially less satisfactory one.

Where to buy and read more reviews: here at Amazon

RELATED: Looking for more cat door options? Read our full review of Best Automatic Cat Doors here.

Author

  • Clair Chesterman

    Clair is a professional cat breeder having her own cageless CFA and CCA Registered cattery & fostering company FluffyMeowPaws in Eugene, Oregon. Clair knows everything about multiple cat breeds and how to use the latest technologies to make the cat's life better.

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