212 reviews forSureFlap Microchip Cat Flap

Really great at first – kept our three cats safe and kept marauders out of the house. Unfortunately, though, after a couple of years it ceased to work. Replacing the batteries sorted things out for maybe 48 hours, maybe less. Apparently this is what happens as electronics age. I think given the price it should’ve lasted longer than a couple of years.

Good cat flap, we installed in a double glazing unit. Worked fine for three years, then the RFID reader lost sensitivity and cats were stuck outside. SureFlap gave me a 20% discount, but no flexibility to provide a replacement under warranty, even though it was only two months over.

Three days after installation, I can say this product works well, but the draught-proofing doesn't work. The flap rim does have a fuzzy material on it, presumably intended to seal against draughts, but it doesn't actually reduce the 2 mm gap all around the flap, which makes it very draughty when the wind blows.

I have a one year old Tom cat and we have only just purchased this flap, had it installed in an aluminium door by professional installers. When in learning mode the red led flashes once per second, the cat has gone out/in as we leave the rotary selector for both ways. As the cat goes out the led repetitions increase, I presume that the reason for this is that the flap has picked up the cats micro chip. I then push the button once, this brings the lock up allowing the cat to go out, but only come in if the chip on the cat is sensed, opening the lock and allowing the cat entry. However I can never tell if it's working properly as when I get up the cat is out and cannot seem to get back in or isn't trying very hard. He passes through the flap both ways in learning mode but that leaves the flap open to other cats as well. I have reset the system several times now with no success. Still not sure if it's the cats chip or the cat flap or just me the operator.

I have now had 2 of these cat flaps in 6 years. They in general worked fine but their failure was sudden and distrssing for the cats. In the case of the first catflap failed after 4 yrs because the small tounge stopped dropping far enough to let the door open and the cats in. Now the second catflap has suddenly started locking my cats out which is distressing for them. The symptoms appear to be the same failure as the first but I will not know until I get home at the weekend to see it. This second catflap has only been in use 2yrs. This cat flap seems to have a life span determined by the number of times it is activated and the more cats in the household the shorter the lifespan. Unfortunately it is the only product out there that works even for a while.

Easy to programme, but a pain to install as you have to line up screw holes exactly to secure both sides to the door. Would be better if you could secure each side individually, as with normal cat flaps. I agree with others that the hole is smaller than normal cat flaps and it is amusing seeing my large cat squeeze through the hole, but he does make it! On the plus side the cat who has been stealing his food is now just a face at the window!

I have just had this fitted due to an invading un-neutered bully cat coming into my house. Beware, I have a large cat who can only just squeeze through with the aid of his back legs off the ground!! It doesn't look very comfortable. The plastic door itself is not very draft proof and looks like it could easily be broken by the bully boy cat getting upset outside. My other cat, at the moment will not use it as she is scared of the clicking sound and the enclosed tunnel feeling. But I will continue to help and coax her through. I am hopeful. I am satisfied with the product as I know when I am out or trying to sleep, the bully cat cannot enter. Maybe SureFlap need to make two sizes in the future. Or else I will have to buy dog flaps in future, just in case!!