PetsRadar Verdict
The SureFlap Microchip Cat Door Connect may not be the cheapest option on the market, but its invaluable, one-of-a-kind features set it apart from the rest.
Pros
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Set curfews for your cat
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Get notifications about your cat's activity
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Monitor your cat's behavior
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Remote unlocking and locking
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Stops intruders entering
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App-controlled
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Four-way lock control
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Register up to 32 cats
Cons
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More expensive than standard microchip cat flaps
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Only available in white
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Why we love the SureFlap Microchip Cat Door Connect
I've tested the best microchip cat flaps, but if I had to recommend just one, it would be the SureFlap Connect. While the price tag might be a bit higher than your average pet door, it comes with so many useful features that set it apart from other models on the market. Here's why we love it:
1. It prevents intruders from coming in
According to cat behaviorist Amanda Campion, it can be very stressful for your cat when animals trespass into your home. Microchip cat flaps are a brilliant way to stop this from happening, as they only allow entry to cats you've registered.
2. You can check your cat's location
As a pet parent, I know how worrying it can be when your cat doesn't come home on time. With this cat flap, you can check their last known location and receive notifications whenever they leave or enter, helping you find them more easily.
3. You can set curfews for your cat
If you don't want your cat to go outside when it's dark, the curfew feature is really handy and can be customized for multiple cats. This is particularly useful during times when fireworks are going off, like the 4th of July, and will ensure your cat is safely indoors.
4. You can lock or unlock it from your phone
Whether you're on vacation or in the office, you can control the lock from the easy-to-use app.
5. You can monitor your cat's activity and behavior
If you're feeling concerned about your cat's behavior, or are just curious about how often they go outside, this feature is super handy.
6. You can connect it to your home automation system
We love how this cat flap can be integrated with your existing home automations. Whenever our tester Toby's cats return home, his lights turn on, ensuring they get their medications on time.
SureFlap Microchip Cat Door Connect: Specs
| Flap opening dimensions | 5.59" x 4.72" |
| Tunnel depth | 2.75" |
| Cat limit | Up to 32 cats |
| Batteries | x4 AA |
| Battery life | Up to six months |
| Warranty | Three years |
| Material | Plastic and metal |
| Color options | White |
Can you use SureFlap Connect without a hub?
If you want to use the app and access all the cool features, you'll need to buy the Hub to connect it to the internet. While it is possible to use the SureFlap Cat Door Connect alone, you'll miss out on all the best parts that make it so unique. You can buy them separately or as a bundle, but surprisingly, it's cheaper to get them on their own.
SureFlap Microchip Cat Door Connect: User experience
Installation:
If you hate installing these kinds of devices as much as I do, you'll be happy to know that it's very simple to set up.
Toby explains: "There's a paper guide to cut the holes and it fits tightly with a little draft. Setting up the cats is just a case of putting them on one side, pushing a button, and coaxing them through the flap with some treats."
If you've never done this before, you might want to read our step-by-step guide on how to install a pet door.
Connecting it to the Hub:
Connecting it to the Hub is straightforward, but you will need an internet connection for it to work—something to keep in mind during power outages. In this event, the door will still work, but the app features won't. Up to 10 people can access the app, making it great for getting the whole family involved.
Toby says: "The Connect app is simple enough. It can have multiple users and allows notifications for cats coming/going, changing curfew times, etc."
Everyday experience:
This cat flap is well worth the money in Toby's opinion and gives him peace of mind about his cats' comings and goings when he's not at home. It's sturdy and works well, but he has experienced one issue in the past:
"We had a small issue with one of our cats learning how to ‘break out’ by picking the lock mechanism. However, SureFlap provided a free replacement door panel that had a 3d-printed lip over the latch which stopped that happening ever again."
SureFlap Microchip Cat Door Connect: Verdict
If you want reassurance about your cat's whereabouts, the SureFlap Microchip Cat Door Connect is a worthy investment. While it's not the cheapest model on the market, it provides invaluable insights into your cat's activity, which could be really helpful if you can't find them. It also ensures your cat doesn't venture outside when they're not supposed to, or when it could be unsafe.
If you want to learn how do microchip cat flaps work and how to train a cat to use a cat door, check out these guides.
