SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap
Pets are an important part of our family, and many of us are dedicated to making sure that our fur-babies get the best of the best. As a result, cat parents around the world are embracing the smart pet technology that is becoming increasingly available.
The SureFlap Microchip cat flap with Connect is exemplary of the way in which technology has revolutionized pet care. This next-gen flap works by scanning the microchip of your cat to determine whether it is allowed in or out the house. You can set up curfews, have different options for different kitties, and it will also prevent intruders from coming into your home. It is a smart cat flap with a difference, allowing you to keep track of your cat and providing a more comprehensive understanding of their overall health and wellbeing.
The SureFlap Microchip cat flap is currently one of the best on the market, with feline fans all around the world. It is packed full of top features and easily controlled with SureFlap's intuitive app for both Android and iOS devices. If you are thinking about upgrading to a secure cat flap with a technological difference, check out our review below for an in-depth overview.
- Easily control your cat's movements
- Easy to use app
- Prevents intruders
- Can register up to 32 cats!
- Excellent customer service
- No low battery notification
- Hub sold separately
Use
The flap itself works very similarly to a regular cat flip, and your cat will easily be able to enter and exit. This SureFlap cat flap utilizes the PIN that is stored on your cat's microchip located under the skin. It is compatible with all microchips, but if your cat does not have one, you can also use an RFID tag which you connect to the cat's collar.
Keep your kitties where they should be with the useful curfew feature, let some cats leave while blocking others, and you can even set up a notification that will let you know whenever your cat uses the flap. The only significant limitation to the SureFlap Cat flap is when cats enter the house through a different entrance as this can easily mess up your cat's stats during the day. Many reviewers have noted that this is a great way of keeping out strange cats and intruders and it will also report when an animal that is not registered tries to enter your property. With the ability to store up to 32 cats data, this is a fantastic option for catteries, shelters or multi-cat households.
Connectivity
This cat flap does have manual modes, including unlocking and locking. Although, there have been several issues reported with the more manual aspects of this cat flap, with several users stating that this is difficult to use and that they are not always clear. One reviewer even noted that their cat was left outside all day because they could not change the settings.
In order to connect your flap to the app, you will need to purchase the SureFlap hub at an additional cost. The glowing cat-eared Hub plugs into your home router and transmits all of the data from the cat flap to your phone. Alternatively, you can control the flap through the website using your computer. The SureFlap hub is quite cute, shaped into a cat head with ears that feature green lights, which will change to red if there is an issue. Although, you can turn these lights off if you prefer. It should also be noted that in order to get the best possible experience, the Hub should be in view of the flap.
This helps to ensure that the two devices can easily communicate with each other. However, if this is not suitable for your home, you could possibly plug into a power line adaptor instead. Some reviewers have also noted that the flap does not have the ability to connect with other aspects of your smart home. However, perhaps in time, we will be able to control our pet's entrance and exit using our home assistant.
App
The app will tell you how many times your cat has left the house, and how long they have spent outdoors today. You can check whether your cat is at home, and you can lock or unlock the flap from anywhere in the world. You can also add the name and photograph of your cat to make identifying each microchip easier as well as gender and health information.
Plus, you can share the information with another family member or perhaps a vet or even your cat sitter. You are able to choose whether each new user can simply view the data, control it or act as an admin. Several users have praised the way in which the app uses graphs to display your cat's data, and overall, the SureFlap app is considered a success.
Ease of Installation
However, if you are looking for something more complex or want your flap to go through a wall or a window, you will probably need to hire a professional. SureFlap has wall installation kits and adaptors for glass available to purchase through their website. You may also need tunnel extenders if you are placing your flap through a wall. It should also be noted that users have stated that their flap is draughty, which would indicate errors during installation.
However, this could also suggest that you may need to think about where you place your flap to avoid cold breezes in the winter months. Although, the most version of the flap has been fitted with a brush seal to combat the issue further. To be honest, set up itself is pretty straightforward; it can just be a challenge getting your cat to get used to it!
To introduce your cat, you need to press the button on top and then encourage the cat to use the flap. You will need to repeat this step for each cat that you wish to register. As most cat parents know, it can be difficult to get your cat to follow orders and get it to do something it doesn't want to. Some cats will jump straight through the flap with no worries or concerns and go about their day. Others, it can take a little longer.
SureFlap recommends putting your cat outside and placing treats just inside the door to entice them to use it, with many users stating that treats in the tunnel encourage their kitties. Another great way to get your cat used to the flap is by taking out the batteries and using it as a traditional flap for a couple of days. Once your cat has gotten used to using the flap, just pop the batteries back in, with a few users online stating that this had been successful with their kitties.
Durability
Size
If you have a larger cat, or if you are looking for a flap for a small dog, you may prefer the Pet Door Connect. It has most of the same features but at 178 x 170mm. Whilst the Pet Door does not have the selective exit option, if your cat is a little on the curvy side, you may be better purchasing the larger option.
Power
Price
However, whilst it may seem like a bit of an investment, the SureFlap Connect is a best seller for a reason. There are often bundle deals available which include both the flap and the Hub, and having the entire set up can certainly make pet care in a multi-cat household much easier. To be honest, the way in which this offers remote control of your cat's movements and prevents intruders from coming in, most users have suggested that it is worth every single penny.
Bottom Line
The vast majority of reviews for the SureFlap online are positive with many happy cats using this around the world. The only significant limitation to the SureFlap Cat flap is when cats enter the house through a different entrance, and possibly the price, but SureFlap does have simpler options available if you are on a budget.