The majority will come with a cut-out guide which will allow you to get the general shape and size of the flap on the door before cutting out. Then, you should use a jigsaw to cut the space. It is usually just a case of then screwing the frame to the door and ensuring there are no gaps around the edges. It’s suitable for use on any door, simply using adhesive tape and strong screws to fix into place. Finished in high-gloss white, the door is also paintable if you want to change the colour to blend in with your existing door. And, with no flap to push open, it should be simple for every cat to master. However, you won’t get all these features without the hub, and this needs to be plugged into your router with an Ethernet cable as well as into the mains. You will also need four C cell batteries, which you should expect to last a maximum of six months. Smart technology has taken over homes up and down the country, and if you want to use your phone to also control your cat’s movements, this microchip model could be ideal.

Microchip cat flaps use a similar scanner, inserted into the cat flap itself in the form of a sensor. Setup is extremely easy: you simply introduce your cat’s microchip to the sensor and the cat flap will store its information. Most flaps will also let you register multiple cats. If you want to keep your kitty safe, the best microchip cat flaps are a particularly clever invention. They give your cats free access to the outdoors while preventing any neighbourhood moggies from sneaking in. These cat flaps have a built-in sensor that recognises your cat’s microchip, meaning only they can go in and out of the flap. This puts them at a huge advantage over a normal, non-chipped flap – particularly if your cat is being bullied or you have a greedy, six-dinner Sid living nearby. Energy Efficient – A durable draught excluder and two magnetic latch points help increase insulation and energy efficiency The best microchip cat flaps you can buy in 2023 1. Cat Mate 360W Microchip Cat Flap: Best for those on a budget With a microchip cat flap, your cat will feel secure in its own home, safe in the knowledge that the neighbour's cat can't get in to steal its food, spray in its territory or invade its space! It is also a great option if you are often away from home or at work for long hours, allowing your cat necessary freedom to come and go.

Stop playing “in again, out again” with your cat and give them free access to the outside with our selection of the best cat flaps

Do make sure that your cat’s microchip is one that’s recognised by the cat flap you choose. Some older microchips and foreign chips may not work with a microchip cat flap. Where should I install my cat flap? Glass requires a circular hole for installation so, if you’re using a rectangular cat flap, you’ll need to buy a circular mounting adapter.

This reads the microchip or infrared sensor on your cat’s collar or implant before opening. You need to register the chip to the flap, so only your chosen cats will be able to come and go. These are often the most popular and recommended Four-Way Magnetic This award winner is compatible with veterinary microchips and RFID collar tags. If you have an existing cat flap, it has been designed to act as a drop-in replacement for easy switching to the new technology. There are a few things you need to take into consideration before you can go ahead and jump right in, as these will change from home to home. It reads the chip to keep uninvited guests out, but this isn’t all the hub can do. It can monitor their activity, and notify you of any changes in their behaviour such as a difference in timings or spending longer outside. You also get intruder alerts when another animal has attempted to get in, which could signal the behaviour patterns.Prop the cat flap open with a peg or strong tape. Give your cat time to get used to going in and out through the hole and lower it slightly over time so that they have to start pushing it a little. If your cat is reluctant to use the flap, try enticing them through with their favourite treats. You may already have a preference for the type of cat flap you’re after, and with plenty on offer, we tried to find the best out of all on offer in each category. A cat enclosure, or catio, could be ideal if you are happy to leave a window open but not let anything other than your cat in. If you have more than one cat, DualScan technology lets you set exit permissions for each cat, and up to 32 are remembered. You can fit it in a door, wall or window, and the batteries should last around six months. Those of us who are already servants to our feline overlords might be laughing at the idea that you can train a cat to do anything. However, there are some simple tips you can try to make your cat use a new cat flap with ease.

If you’ve got more than one cat, the Dual Scan from Sure Petcare could be just the cat flap you’re looking for. It works with both microchips and the SureFlap RFID collar tag but allows you to programme it for individual cats. Ease of use is also important for this reason. If you don’t want your cats going out after 8 pm, the worry of them getting out because you couldn’t work out how to set the cat flap could cause a lot of grief. As for fitting, there are professionals out there who can fit a cat flap but many can be done by yourself if you have the right tools. Proper fitting is key to ensure a working cat flap and a fit that doesn’t let in air or rain. We’ve included specific cat flaps for installing into glass and walls in our roundup, but here are a few general rules to follow with these materials: Setup is easy, with one-button programming. However, this flap is marginally slower to open than some others and this may take your cat a little while to get used to, so be patient. The cat flap has a green light that appears when a chip is read successfully, and the LED light will also indicate when the battery is running low. Powered by four AA batteries, battery life is impressive at around 12 months. READ NEXT: The best cat toys to buy The best cat flaps you can buy in 2023 1. PetSafe Staywell Original 2-Way Pet Door: Best budget cat flapCat flaps in general are a godsend for those of us who are servants to moggies, meaning we don’t have to get up and down every five minutes to let a cat in or out through a window or door. Allowing cats access to the outside world, in a safe environment, gives them the best life possible, so it’s worth investing in a good cat flap to let them come and go as they please. Reliability– Think about the likelihood that your cat will cooperate with the method you choose. If you opt for a magnetic collar, you need to ensure they won’t use the key part of the system from their collar. Cats who often come home without a collar could be better with a chip, and ones which come and go in the early morning and wake you up may be better with a limited option It’s a really simple cat flap to programme, with just the push of a button and an LED indicator that flashes to let you know the microchip has been registered. You will need four AA batteries to power the cat flap, but users report that these last for around a year, making the Cat Mate even better value. Suitable for installation in doors, windows or walls with the correct adapters, the cat flap comes with a fairly simple installation guide. You only get one collar and magnetic key in the box, but you can buy more separately if you have multiple cats. Microchip identification flaps are often thought of as the best option for keeping unwelcome moggies out of your home. But they’re also great if you want your cats to come and go as they please, or if you want to prevent one going out but not the others.