Microchip Cat Flap

Well, took me a while to get this installed. But once we did, I am very happy with it. As the other reviews I read (either on Amazon or another site) said, the click is loud and can scare the cat. I was not expecting my cat to be frightened of this but she was. But after a day or two she was quite content with her door. There have been no other break-ins by other cats! We have had this occurrence a few times. Once or twice it was a cat fight inside the house, another was some cat eating my cat's food. Regardless, and probably stating this obvious, this has not been a problem since we installed this door. I love that it does not swing loose like our earlier cat door! In the winter, cold air just came drafting through the door. In the summer, the heat. Well, this is not the case with this; it is sealed around the edges with a little felt or something and this is definitely more energy efficient. Looks like we also had an unexpected perk; Flopsy, our kitty, apparently cannot get large birds or rats through the door... I believe her full mouth stops her head from getting all the way in so her chip cannot be read. Therefore, we get little moths or small (more manageable) mice. Believe you me, this is great; the amount of huge birds and rats she used to drag through her old door was not appreciated (yes, I KNOW they're gifts!). :) I do not know if this is true, it's just that since we installed the SureFlap, no huge birds or rats have been dragged in... If this changes, I will update this review but so far, so good (it's been about 6 months). The battery has run out a few times, or at least gone low, and, though I know this defeats the purpose, I tape down the little latch if I need to run out and get batteries (just in case it gets so low it stops working for Flopsy and she gets locked out). Love the feature that you can lock it three ways; only out, only in or completely locked. While my other door had this feature, that broke within a few months so it was just hanging loose. This one is very sturdy and has held up. We've had to lock her out when we were painting once and lock her in when we were getting some external concrete poured and it is a very sturdy little latch and holds up well. If you have a larger cat, I do not suggest getting this door; the opening is definitely smaller than our other cat flap. It is loud when it closes but I like this because I like knowing when my cat goes in and out. Others may not appreciate this. I do recommend this door though, makes me feel better about leaving my cat at home alone, knowing that other cats and animals will not get to her. :) Update: January 2015 - still no large birds or rats. Just small mice and birds. Ah, what can you do; it's in their nature. Still loving our SureFlap Cat Door. Been very cold as of late and it does keep the cold out. The felt or whatever it is has not worn out and overall, still very happy with this product. I was having an issue with the batteries draining way too fast (within days of replacing them!). I thought it was the batteries. I would tape the latch down for weeks at a time. I replaced one batch and there was a little battery juice (like the batteries had leaked). I did not clean the connections. So the next batch ran out really fast. So taped the latch down once again. I finally replaced that batch of batteries about 4 weeks ago. This time I look wipes and thoroughly cleaned the connections and the battery compartment and then waited until completely dry (I waited probably an hour or two) and then replaced the batteries. That fixed it; no more fast-draining batteries! Cool thing is that the door has a little light that flashes every 5 seconds when the batteries run low so I always know. I do not think it was the SureFlap Cat Door that was the problem; I believe it was a bad batch of batteries that leaked and then cause any other batteries placed in the compartment to run out fast. Regardless, if you ever have this problem, fully clean out the battery compartment before the next batch of batteries are used and see if this fixes it. Again, very pleased with this product and I highly recommend it.

The flap operates as advertised, though it took us quite some effort to force the cat through to identify the chip. As many mentioned, the opening is rather small too, but if the cat wants to go through he can, the problem is my cat had no understanding of this being something to go through. I assume a cat used to a flap of any sort probably would be easier to train, as it may understand the purpose of this thing. The problem I have is that I only can install this in a window, as there is no door to my backyard, and all glass repair specialist say they cannot cut such a circle. One even went further to say that even if they could cut it, the window would eventually break. I wish I had read the review called "I wish they would make one for humans" (on the page for the white version of this) where somebody else also reports this problem. I was also told that the only way to install this in a window is by replacing the glass with Plexiglass. (June 28, 2012) Update August 21, 2012: I did eventually decide to replace my window glass for an upper end Plexiglass version and must say you couldn't tell the difference by the light that goes through it. The Plexiglas is not rigid, and it also collects a little cat hair due to static electricity, but only who knows will notice. It took our cat about two weeks to fully adapt to the flap. He still prefers to wait for a human at the door, but he has no problem using the flap either. So far it has been completely reliable. I do not understand how some people report that raccoons can force it open. I am also very happy with the customer service. I contacted sureflap before purchasing to get some details on dimensions and needed some missing part after receiving the shipment. Both times they were very responsive. Why not 5 stars? It would be perfect if the switch would have a timer and be programable, to change from one setting to another in the morning and evening for exampele. The screws should be on the inside also. Edited January 2014 - Upgraded to 5 stars (from 4). Has been working perfectly a long time. I cannot imagine not having this for my cat. Love this product more than when I just got it. Must keep an eye on not overfeeding him as it would be real bad if he can no longer fit through it. Edited July 2016 - After three happy years, the unit started to consume an enormous amount of batteries. Instead of lasting for a year as it should, it started to need batteries every month, then every week or two weeks until it stopped working completely. During this year also the four way lock broke and the door became a little stuff and hard to push for the cat. Due to the multiple different simultaneous issues arising during the fourth year I think it can be said that the expected life of this product is 3 to 4 years.

My main issue with this is with functionality. The chip reader works great, and is effective, but I had to take the batteries out so that my cat wouldn't run away from the sound of it unlocking. Not the product's fault, it's my weird cat. However, my problem is that I can take the batteries out and he's cool with it... only he can only go out, not come in. There's no way to make the door freely swingable if you want that to be an option. My plan was to let him use it bidirectionally for a while until it's second-nature, and then pop the batteries in and see if he'll tolerate it. I have to physically tape the lock mechanism open. I really wish the toggle locker would allow this without using tape. It's an easy fix, for now, but the tape did give out and he was stuck outside for a few hours. With the above being said, if your cat isn't a wuss like mine, it'll work great... but you can't just use it as a revolving door unless you tape the lock open and risk your tape giving out, locking your cat outside.

I read a lot of reviews before purchasing this product. I found the details helpful so I will be detailed. We installed the door in a 1" thick piece of wood cut to fit where an existing window was to the window well in the basement. This required no cutting into the house's siding or into a door. It is about 6" off of the ground from outside and that is perfect for the cat. It is 8 ft. up from inside the basement. Therefore, I cannot yet reach it until my husband installs steps or shelving to act as steps. First, a platform was built for the cat to step onto when coming inside. It is 12-15" deep and 2-3 ft. long so she is secure in stepping on it. Before installation, we played with her with the door to get her to go through. I got down on the floor with cheese on the other side to coax her to try it. I had to hold the door open a bit so she got the idea. After 2-3 days of this, she got leery and avoided the door, first by jumping over the wood it was installed in, and then by avoiding it altogether, even for her beloved cheese. We decided to stop the indoor training at that point. It took her a while, of being first set up on that high platform and holding the door open a crack to coax her out and then showing her how she could jump from chair to stool to platform before she would go up there by herself. We adopted this cat as a stray so she loves to go outside. Once she figured out that she had to stick her head through instead of trying to claw it open toward her, she learned to go out and seemed thrilled with her new independence. This took about 2 weeks. A week later, today, she finally came in. My husband had been standing down by the basement cat door, opening it with his finger and calling her to come in. For a while, she sat by the back door or scratched on the mat, as was her old habit. When it was really cold or raining hard, I let her in the regular door and my husband was sure that defeated the purpose of her learning to use her own door. Today, for some reason, she just came in by herself. At night, I don't think she has yet figured out that we are locking her in. However, she has been locked in for her own protection for the past 2 years since we adopted her. A 4 yr. old stray can be set in her ways. It is odd, because she now seems to like to stay in more, maybe because it is colder, but she also doesn't have that desperate look like she had to scoot between your legs to get out. I love her newfound independence. We'll see how the strip acts when dirty and how long the batteries last. We did not need that plate adapter because the wooden flat panel the door was installed in was thick and sturdy enough.

Update This cat door started eating batteries so I callled the company. They made it very difficult to get anything done. They know the battery issue is a real problem. They send you a laundry list of trouble shooting items. Then you have to prove the unit is in fact eating batteries after the trouble shooting. Taking pictures of a volt meter reading and is on I would pass if I weee you this company instead of making it right is attempting to make it to difficult for your to pursue getting it replaced. You can do beater move on. We had an inside cat that would not use a litter box. If she was put outside she would run off and not come back. So this was the solution for a loved long standing pet. This door was installed on a screen room patio. The cat loves the porch and feels protected. She uses the door to pee and poop in the yard. We chipped the cat and the door works excellent.

In normal operating mode (cat can go in and out), this cat flap is "gameable" by raccoons! This morning at 2am I watched a medium sized coon learn to tug the flap backwards from the outside by prying its front claw under the bottom edge of the flap, flicking flap backwards, and catching it again with a full grip to pull it open and enter the dwelling unit. Do not be fooled by any product details that suggest otherwise! Since there is only a chip reader on the outside tunnel portion in normal operating mode the flap is only mechanically prevented from being pushed into the house from the outside and will swing freely the other way: if pulled from the outside. This is why the raccoons can enter: the flap can be yanked backwards from the outside without any mechanical release needing to be breached! A more robust (and part intensive) design would have a chip reader for both directions such the the solenoid-actuated catch could be engaged to prevent flapping in both directions. I'll probably end up buying another cat flap to place the other direction to make a double flap pass through chamber. This product feels made from the absolute cheapest parts available. The primary door catch that prevents unauthorized entrance is made of plastic and the solenoid that retracts it only moves about 1/4" inch so there's not very much plastic bulk to sustain any substantial force against it. I've used the device for a few years now and it eats up batteries so much (and doesn't even have an external power plug option) that I bought a little wall power battery adapter. Two stars because the chip reader has worked well without any need for relinking Loretta's (cat) RFID chip over the usage period.

The best cat flap I’ve ever owned. Super easy to install and set up to my cats chip. No extra collar needed which is important because my cat is an escape artist and I couldn’t keep him in one. One year after purchase he managed to get the knob off(he’s a brute) and the company sent us a new one no questions asked. Great customer service. I’m impressed with the quality, ease of use and all around positive experience.

I purchased this in 2015 for one of our cats who my fiance had been keeping primarily outdoors and now goes nuts if when she decides she wants out she will do anything to get out. I have found her at the top of the screen on the screen door. But I did not want the racoons or possum coming in. This is perfect. I have had it installed for a year now and is still on the same batteries. It was really easy to set the chip. Push the button, catch cat, and put struggling cat through the door. :) The only problem I was concerned about is that I have two older cats I brought with me that have always been indoor only. I did not want them going out as the door does not require microchip to go out. Only in. I set their chips too but no problem neither has any interest in going out. The only issue I have had with the cat who uses it is that she didn't seem to get in only out. I watched her go out and she stands away from the door and sticks her paw out and makes the door flap then goes through it. For the door to open from the outside the cat has to stick their head in the tunnel as the chip sensor is in the top of the tunnel and unless they go in head first it won't open because it can't read the chip. When she knows we are home she still sits at the door and forgets how to use it but I think when we are gone she is finally using it to go in and eat. I have caught her inside a few times lately when I have come home. We would put her through the door every time we would see her wanting in. Even when we were inside and we saw her wanting in we would pick her up and make her go through the door. I gave it five stars because it would be easier if the sensor was not in the tunnel but it needs to be in the tunnel so it isn't exposed to dirt and weather so much and most cats do use their heads to but the door. It was the cat. She needed to be less timid. This cat refused to use a litter box because she only wanted to use the outdoors. Otherwise, she is the perfect cat but if she was trapped inside too long before we let her out there would be accidents. If we weren't home no access to food and water. Now no more 5 am wake up to let the cat out and she can get in to get food and water. We don't have to leave them outside to attract racoons and possums. We live on 18 wooded acres so there are plenty of critters we don't want coming in. Update: Over a year later still working. Changed batteries one time. Cat goes in and out perfectly on her own now. We now have another one that goes into the crawl space under the house so we can put food out for our two outdoor only cats. Once they knew food was in there only took a couple of times and they were good using it.

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Just a little too small for my cat and I stool haven’t used the cup reader

Awesome to let our cat in and out without letting in the racoons or our neigbours cat. Easy to install and use. Batteries have to be changed often though but it’s easy.

Fácil de instalar. De usar. Mis gatos no tardarón mucho en aprender a usarla, dudo que me duren tanto las baterias, tengo 4 gatos y les gusta entrar y salir todo el tiempo.

Installation facile, le plastic fait office de patron, et il est suffisamment large pour ne pas devoir faire un travail parfait à la scie sauteuse. Nous avons mis la chatière bloquée ouverte (avec un ruban adhésif) à l'intérieur de la maison sur une planche entre 2 portes pour qu'ils s'habituent 3 ou 4 jours au petit clic qui surprend quand ils passent (même si il est très faible), cela permet de faire l'installation sur une planche sans risque avant de faire un trou dans la porte extérieure (installation plus rassurante). 2 des chats ont tout de suite pris le coup, la femelle mois. Une fois installée, la femelle a mis 3 semaines à s'y faire (elle ne voulait vraiment pas l'utiliser au début), mais maintenant c'est le bonheur. Ils ont peur des autres chats au début croyant qu'ils peuvent rentrer facilement, comme eux, donc ils gardent la porte, mais une fois qu'ils ont constaté que les autres chats sont bloqués dehors, ils reprennent confiance et la maison redevient un havre de paix pour nos chats. Après 3 mois d'utilisation, pas de souci, bonne isolation quand même au froid (pas plus froid que la porte elle même), le vent ne peut pas l'ouvrir (contrairement à une chatière avec aimants), les chats en profitent pour faire beaucoup d'aller retour dehors ce qui diminue l'utilisation de la litière à l'intérieur (très bon effet secondaire ^^), les piles semblent tenir le choc pour le moment malgré l'utilisation intensive des 3 chats. Nous recommandons vivement ce produit !