SureFlap Microchip Cat Door Review

SureFlap Microchip Cat Door uses a microchip implanted in your pet cat’s skin.

With a microchip in place, the cat flap can easily detect and identify the cat, and create a signal to open the door.

This is considered an intelligent cat entry system, only allowing your cat to access the entry/exit door.

This SureFlap Cat Door has a central magnet, keeping the flap from swinging, which in turn gives your cat greater security.

Since the microchip is implanted, there is no need for cats to wear collar tags.

It is a good idea, especially for cats not comfortable wearing collar tags.

Some pets lose their collars most of the time, so this is the perfect solution.

However, if you think implanting a microchip into your cat is not a good thing, then, SureFlap offers an alternative solution.

Collar tags can be purchased if you do not want your cats to get micro-chipped.

SureFlap Microchip Cat Door is suited for households with multiple cats, with its memory storage capacity, which can accommodate information for 32 cats.

Selective Entry of Cats

With the selective entry feature of SureFlap Microchip Cat flap system, unwanted animals or neighbor’s cats is prevented from getting inside the house.

However, any cat can go out of the house, regardless of the presence or absence of implanted microchip.

The unit uses a 4-way manual locking system allowing cat owners to manually program any combination of exit and entry.

It is a great solution in case your cat often gets bullied by other cats.

Using SureFlap is also a good thing if you are getting tired of opening doors when feeding your cats from time to time.

This unit is recommended for small and medium-sized cats.

Features of SureFlap Microchip Cat Door

• 4-Way manual lock system which includes Only In, Only Out, 2-way and locked
• Utilizes Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) microchip technology as key to unlocking the door
• Functions with the existing microchip of cats
• Can program up to 32 microchip IDs of cats in its memory
• Compatibility with microchips that have 9, 10 and 15 digits. Excluded are those microchips in 10 digits with codes that begin with 000, 010, and 020.
• Does not require collar or tags that could possibly get snagged or lost
• Has an indicator for low battery percentage
• Selective entry feature allowing any cat to go out even if they don’t have a microchip
• Functions using four pieces of AA batteries that may last for up to 6 to 12 months, if used for a single cat. Battery lifespan may also vary depending on the use of the cat door.
• Consists of two-part design that can be easily installed in walls, windows, and doors
• Registers the microchip identification of cat in a single push button
• The product offered with a three-year warranty
• The design of its tunnel keeps neighbour’s cat or intruders from pulling the cat door inwards
• It functions with collar tags in case you do not want your cats to get micro-chipped

 

Dimensions of SureFlap Microchip

Hole cutting dimensions: 6.5 inches in width, 6.73 inches in height/165 mm in width, 171 mm in height

External tunnel depth: 2.75 inches/ 70 mm
Door opening dimensions: 5.59 inches in width, 4.72 inches in height/ 142 mm in width and 120 mm in height.

This is the smallest dimension of the cat flap where your cat will enter.
External frame dimensions: 8.25 inches in width and 8.25 inches in height/ 210 mm in width and 210 mm in height
Item weight: 2 pounds
Front frame depth: 1.65 inches/ 42 mm
Tunnel Thickness: 0.18 inches/ 4.5 mm

 

Microchip Pet Implants

SureFlap Microchip Cat Door functions with the following microchip codes:

• 9-digit microchips which is commonly known as Avid Secure/Encrypted Chip
• 10-digit microchips, commonly termed as FDXA. Those microchips beginning with 000, 010 and 020 are exceptions.
• 15-digit microchips, widely known as FDXB.

In case your cats have already been implanted with a microchip in the past and the code number was already forgotten, there is no need for you to remember it just to program the cat door.

Simply, push the program button and let your cats stay close to the cat flap.

The scanner will eventually recognize and decode the microchip number then it will be registered in the memory of SureFlap.

In some instances, microchip number may not be compatible with the cat door.

This problem can be resolved by trying out the latest version of SureFlap, which is the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door.

This version is perfect for small dogs and larger cats and it is also compatible with almost all microchips.
To test whether the reader can recognize the microchip before it gets implanted in the cat’s skin, you can let it pass through the cat flap.

If the system has recognized your cat, it will be automatically programmed and retained in the unit’s memory.

 

How Does SureFlap Microchip Cat Door Functions?

As the microchipped cat comes closer to the door, a reader or scanner on the tunnel is designed to read the microchip and recognize the unique ID.

Upon recognition, the latch is automatically unlocked, allowing cats to push through the cat door using its head or nose.

This unit works with passive RFID technology, which means locking mechanism to open is not triggered by the implanted microchip.

The microchip stores the data, while waiting for the scanner to recognize it.

The interior frame of SureFlap Microchip Cat Door consists of two sensors for reading the microchip.

First is the motion sensor which is activated when the cat approaches the cat flap.

The second one is the radio frequency (RF) reader which is activated for reading the microchip.

After the microchip ID is recognized and data is stored in the memory, the latch automatically unlocks.

This requires the cat to push the cat flap in order to get in.

When the cat has finally entered the SureFlap Microchip, the door automatically closes because of the force of strong magnet acting on it.

Depending on your own preference, there are different lengths of time to shut the door.

Kittens and newbies will be benefited by this since they are just trying to adapt to new technology.

It may take some time for them to adjust, especially with the clicking sound of the cat door.

For kittens and newbies, it is recommended to set the shutting time to a slow mode.

This will give enough time for beginners to appreciate, understand and to enter the door.

 

4-Way Lock Settings

Only In.

With this setting, your cat is allowed to get in but it cannot go out.

Setting this option is done by manually turning a dial from the inside.

It eventually unlocks the latch keeping your cats stay inside the house.

If your cat is on a scheduled vet visit, then, Only In lock setting is the best option.

This also makes it possible for another micro-chipped pet to enter the house, though they cannot get out, too.

2-Way.

Cats can exit and enter the cat door with this lock system.

This cat door features a selective entry, requiring cats to get microchipped in order to enter the catflap.

However, pets with or without microchip can go out anytime.

Only Out.

With this lock setting, once the cat gets out, it cannot go back inside.

Setting this option is done manually by turning a dial on the flap.

This is the best lock setting option if you have visitors allergic to felines.

Locked.

The door locks completely.

With this lock setting, no cat can enter or exit the cat door.

It keeps the cat in throughout the night.

Locked In is also used in case cat owners are on a trip with their cats.

SureFlap Microchip Cat Door allows a non-microchipped cat to go out of the door.

For multiple cats in a household and if you wish to select the cats to stay outside and inside, SureFlap Dualscan is a better choice.

The 4-way Lock System is non-automatic since the catflap does not have a timer feature.

This means that if you wish your pet cats to remain inside your house during specific hours, you can simply turn the dial on the flap manually.

The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door version is designed for small dogs and larger cats.

It has a timer feature that can be automatically set to lock and unlock at certain times.

Battery Life Expectancy of SureFlap Microchip Cat Door

Batteries are expected to last for up to 12 months maximum, depending on the number of cats using the cat door.

Batteries are also conserved by cleaning and removing the cat hair from them.

It also depends on how many times an unwanted visitor approaches the cat flap throughout the day and night.

The use of rechargeable batteries is not recommended since it doesn’t offer 100% performance reliability.

If batteries are empty of charge while you are away from home, the door locks by default.

This might leave your cats locked in or locked out.

Prevent this from happening by looking at the battery life indicator of SureFlap.

There is a small red LED located on top of the catflap, which blinks if the batteries are getting low.

There is a need to check on the battery life indicator more often.

 

Installation Procedures for SureFlap Microchip Cat flap

This unit comes in two parts, and can be held together using screws.

The tunnel depth is created with the two parts and it’s adjustable depending on the depth of your door.
Materials or tools needed for the installations are:
1.Screwdriver
2.Drill Bit ‘ inches
3.Jig saw
4.Felt tip marker
5.Spirit Level
6.Tape Measure

Installation in metal doors

Installing this cat door in metal doors require an adapter.

This is to prevent metal from blocking radio frequencies that could stop the scanner from reading the microchip ID.

The adapter is needed, especially when the metal has steel parts.

Installation in wooden doors

SureFlap can be installed using the instructions in the YouTube video.

It does not require an adapter to be installed in wood doors.

Installation in walls

Wall installation requires one or two SureFlap Tunnel Extenders, depending on the thickness of the wall.

The usual cat flap with no tunnel extension is suited for walls with 2 inch thickness.

Installation in windows

Installing SureFlap on windows requires an adapter if the window is made of glass.

The circular adapter measures 11 inches in diameter.

It’s better to hire a professional glazier for cutting the hole.
Installing the cat door in an existing hole

If the installation is done in a traditional cat flap opening, there will be a gap on the height and width of the opening.

Cat Flap Mounting Adapter is recommended to cover up larger hole.

Sureflap Cat Door Tips and Tricks

• In case you don’t think of getting your cat microchipped as a good idea, consider buying a microchip and mounting it on the collar. Collars are reusable for other pets use. Additional chips can be secured in case the other chip is lost.
• Adjusting to the clicking sound of the cat flap when it unlocks can be a bit hard for your cat. To help your cats adjust to the clicking sounds made by the unit, you can tape the flap open, allowing your cats to pass freely at the start. This doesn’t discourage the cat from pushing the cat door and get in even if it hears the clicking sound. Cats can easily adjust and be accustomed to the clicking sound more easily. For some cats, it takes days to weeks before they get accustomed to the sounds and the use of the door.
• It is better to choose the option Locked over Only In if you know that your pet is determined and smart about going out.
• In case the reader does not read the microchip, there is a possibility that the microchip has migrated down the neck. There is a need to consult your vets to get the microchip back to its original position.

 

SureFlap Microchip is recommended:

• If there is a need for the replacement of the existing regular pet flap
• To separate stations of litter boxes in different rooms
• To set up meal stations to separate cats

SureFlap Microchip is not recommended:

• If you prefer a unit that cannot be pulled or ruined by a raccoon. The unit can stop most raccoons and other animals, but it cannot prevent a smarter raccoon attempting to outsmart the door.
• To big breed, tall and fat cats weighing over 11 pounds. Large cats need to squeeze their body just to get into the cat door.s It is best to use the SureFlap Pet Door version in this case.
• To cats with a 10-digit microchip that starts with 00, 010, or 020.
• For installation in thick walls
• For the elderly, disabled, and handicapped cats with arthritis

Conclusion

Based on the features and user reviews, we can say that the SureFlap Microchip Cat Door is a reliable product for pet owners.

The latest version has improved as it is created with less noise when the door is unlocked.

Although it still creates some noise, you can train your cats to get accustomed to the noises.

Instructions on training your cat to use the cat flap are explained in the manual.

Cats weighing 10 pounds can smoothly go through the flap.

However, those cats weighing more than 10 pounds will have to experience a little squeeze as they go through the cat door and get in.

SureFlap Pet Door is the larger version, suited for large-sized cats and pets weighing 11 pounds and above.

Bottom Line

SureFlap Microchip Cat Door is recommended to cat owners with microchipped cats and to cat owners willing to get their cat microchipped to protect their cats from neighbor’s cats.

Also, the cat flap is suited for small and medium-sized cats.

 

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