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As many around the world will confirm, there are all kinds of reasons to want a pet. Our furry friends are a continual source of companionship and emotional support that we can be hard put to find in other humans.
Many pet owners will go to some lengths to make sure their pet is safe and comfortable. A common way to achieve both of these goals is what is known as the cat flap or pet door. A small door set in a full size door or side wall that lets the pet in or out without having to wait for a human to let them in or out.
While this is undeniably convenient for both pet and human, it can bring with it unpleasant side effects. Like a human door when it is unlocked, you may find other animals finding their way to your pet door.
This problem can be solved with a microchip-sensitive door that will open only for a pet who has an implanted identification chip. This has become increasingly common among the pet-owning community.
A near-field communication reader, similar to those used in credit card readers or electronic door locks, detects the pet’s approach and unlocks the door, then seals it again after the pet is back inside.
Read Related Article: How To Program A Sureflap Cat Flap
We’ve picked out five of the best pet doors to help you keep your house pet-friendly and pest-free.
Comparison Table
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | LATEST PRICE |
|---|---|---|
1. SureFlap Cat Flap  |
| Check Price |
2. PetSafe Exclusive Entry  |
| Check Price |
3. CatMate 360W  |
| Check Price |
4. Ferplast Swing  |
| Check Price |
5. Petporte Smart Flap  |
| Check Price |
Our Best Product Reviews and Comparisons
1. SureFlap Cat Flap
Product Highlights
This has been the leading brand for some time, storing up to 32 friendly identities and rejecting unwanted intruders.
Features
- Powered by 4 AA batteries for up to a year’s operation
- 32 pet memory
- Compatible with most brands of pet chip
- One-touch programming of desired pets
What We Like About SureFlap Cat Flap
SureFlap is a trusted brand that keeps your pet and home safe from strays.
What We Don’t Like About SureFlap Cat Flap
The door is made of a weaker plastic that may break during operation
PROS
- Long-lasting power supply
- Large memory
- International compatibility
- Easy programming
- Can be installed practically anywhere
CONS
- Brittle door
- Spotty chip reader
2. PetSafe Exclusive Entry
Product Highlights
This model is friendly for pets and humans both with an energy-efficient magnetic seal.
Features
- 40 pet memory
- Magnetic contacts to confirm seal
- Powered by 4 AA batteries
- Manual locking mechanism
What We Like About PetSafe Exclusive Entry
This cat flap has a manual lock override for when the batteries run down and a magnetic seal that keeps it firmly shut against the weather.
What We Don’t Like About PetSafe Exclusive Entry
PetSafe does not currently support all microchip formats.
PROS
- 40 pet memory
- Works through brick, drywall, wooden doors, and most anything else
- Cutting template included
- Manual lock override
- Three-year warranty
CONS
- Not all chips are supported
- Reports of cats learning to operate the manual override
3. CatMate 360W
Product Highlights
This flap has a locking knob for manual control and can read collar-mounted tags as well as implanted ones.
Features
- Four-setting knob lets you decide if you want your cat in or out.
- Opening measures 145 mm square
- Powered by four AA batteries
- 30 pet memory
What We Like About CatMate 360W
This door’s locking system allows for more control, setting in or out modes that will only allow your pet through in one direction to keep it where you want it to be.
What We Don’t Like About CatMate 360W
Many report this door relatively loud, which can put cats off of using it entirely.
PROS
- Superior locking mechanism
- Sturdy construction
- Self-lining to 85 mm
- Low battery indicator light
- Weatherproof magnetic closure
CONS
- Accepts fewer entries than other models
- Door makes a loud noise closing that can frighten cats away
4. Ferplast Swing
Product Highlights
Ferplast delivers a sturdy pet door and collar set with a proprietary tag to save you the trouble of paying for an implant and minimize reader error.
Features
- Powered by four AA batteries
- Door measures roughly 13 ½ cm square
- Four-mode manual control knob
- 32 pet memory
What We Like About Ferplast Swing
Ferplast’s draught protection keeps the door from running up an energy bill and lets you know which way your cat went last at the same time.
What We Don’t Like About Ferplast Swing
Customer service from this manufacturer has been reported to be substandard.
PROS
- Directional control knob
- Draught prevention lining
- Included collar and tag
- Sturdy construction
- Direction indicator to see where your pet went last
CONS
- Batteries drained quickly
- Poor customer service
5. Petporte Smart Flap
Product Highlights
A multi-mode cat door that offers additional levels of automated supervision for your cat with no additional effort.
Features
- Powered with one 9-volt battery
- Allows for different directions depending on time of day
- Remembers 25 identities
- Daylight mode to automatically cycle in and out settings depending on sunlight
What We Like About Petporte Smart Flap
Petporte gives more precise control than other models, allowing you to better regulate your cat’s exercise and keep it safe from strays.
What We Don’t Like About Petporte Smart Flap
This product has a relatively low memory capacity, with fewer than 30 possible entries.
PROS
- Daylight sensor changes door direction automatically
- Plug spares battery for emergencies
- Can be programmed with a specific schedule
- Weatherproof lining
- Easy to install
CONS
- Locking mechanism is plastic, not metal
- Only reads 15 digit chips
Final Verdict
Although any of these can make your home a more comfortable place for your cat, there are several factors that any buyer must remember before ordering. Your selected door must be large enough for the pet to fit through, and compatible with your pet’s chip. Verify both of these specifications with your vet before making your selection.
Similarly, make sure to watch your pet handle the door the first few times, and adjust immediately if paws, tail, or whiskers are catching in the door or seam.
