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3 Best Cat Doors That Works with a Microchip (Guide/Review)

What is the best cat door that works with a microchip? This is the best option (Click here for the price on Amazon). Read below for the reasons why.

Quick comparison of cat doors that work with a microchip

DescriptionImageMy Rating
01. Microchip Cat Door (Best Option)
Click here for the price on Amazon		5 stars
02. PetSafe Cat Door
Click here for the price on Amazon
03. DualScan Microchip Cat Door
Click here for the price on Amazon		4 stars
Contents show

What you need to know about microchip cat doors (Guide)

Before you pick up one of these its important to get an understanding of what features are available. And, the benefits of some of the models on the market. 

Therefore, in this section, I will share with you some of the best features & benefits to look out for.

  • Microchipped security
  • Door Scheduling
  • Dual scanning
  • The battery has a long life
  • Spacious

Microchipped security

One of the most important features, which is the emphasis of this article. This will allow your cat door to open automatically, one of your cat’s existing microchip is detected. This is done by programming the device to only allow your cats chip to activate it.

Door Scheduling

Some of these cat doors will allow you to schedule when the door is open or closed. Some of them will also allow you to configure it to only let your cat in, but not out and vice-versa.

Dual scanning

This is a useful feature that allows your cat to have her microchip scanned when she attempts to enter, as well as when she is on her way out. Therefore, you can stop one of your cats heading out of the door, if she is not allowed. Ideal for households with multiple cats.

The battery has a long life

This one goes without saying, long battery life is much appreciated. Most of the good ones have battery life as long as a year.

Spacious

It’s important to have enough space for your kitty to come and go, without having to squeeze through the door. Therefore it is important to look out for good sizing.

My best 3 cat doors that work with microchips (review)

In this section, I will share with you 3 of my best cat doors. For each one, I will share with you the best things I like about them as well as the annoyances. This will make it easier to see what is more important to you to help with your final decision.

01. Microchip Cat Door (Best Option)

Click here for the price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Microchipped security (Only lets your cat in)
  • Spacious (Designed for large cats)
  • Schedule door lock and unlock
  • Keep unwanted cats/animals out
  • Compatible with doors, windows or even walls
  • Long battery life (Estimated 1 year)
  • Worldwide microchip compatibility

Cons:

  • No Dual Scan (In and out scan)
  • Can be a bit drafty (depending on how you install it)
  • Batteries not included

What I like about this cat door

Firstly, this cat door is a well-designed, sleek item that will look good in your home. I like it not just for its practical strengths, which I will explain in a second, but also its aesthetic qualities, are you with me?

If you are keen on giving your kitty some freedom but are concerned about other cats entering your home, then this is great. Because it only allows entry to cats that have been given access by you, using its reliable microchip technology.

It has a programmable schedule that allows you to decide when the cat door is open and when it is locked shut. Think of this as an agreed curfew between you are your kitty.

With its spacious design, you should be fine to fit most cats through it, in fact, it’s been designed to cater to even large cats.

If you have a door that isn’t wood-based, no need to worry. The chances are you can still use this. Why? Because it is designed to work with doors, windows or even walls.

I love the fact that it has really long battery life. In fact, the manufacturer has estimated that you can expect up to one year, assuming normal usage.

The beauty of this microchip system is compatibility. They claim that it can work with chips worldwide, which is reassuring.

In general, this cat door is an effective cat door with simple controls that will satisfy most user requirements.

What I do not like about this cat door

As much as I like this one, there are still some annoyances that I will discuss with you in this section. Firstly, understand that this cat door is not dual-scan. Meaning, it will scan the microchip to let her in, but not on the way out. You will need to look at the dual-scan model below (Click here to see the reviews on Amazon) for that.

Not sure if it’s just me, but I find that it is quite a drafter after installing it. Maybe when you install it it’s fine, but I thought I should mention this here.

Finally, this device requires batteries. And, there are no batteries included. To be honest, this is starting to become the norm with electrical devices, but it’s worth knowing ahead of time.

02. PetSafe Cat Door

Click here for the price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Uses microchip technology (Secure)
  • Simple to program (one button)
  • Compatible with doors (wood, PVC, or uPVC), wall and glass
  • Insulated (To help keep out the draft)
  • Locking controls (4 options)
  • Designed for large cats (up to 17 pounds)
  • Long battery life (estimated 12 months)
  • Useful battery indicator

Cons:

  • Need DIY competence to install
  • The holding pins are a bit flimsy
  • Batteries not included

What I love about this Petsafe cat door

This microchipped Petsafe cat door is ideal for those cat owners, like me, who appreciate that extra level of security and reassurance. Meaning, that extra level of verification that only your kitty can enter.

Like the other two offerings in this guide, this relies on microchipped technology to achieve this. As well as this tech, it also has a good system to control access.

It has 4 options available, this includes complete lock-down, open )the normal option), exit-only or even entry-only. Which should be more than enough for most cat owners uses.

If you are like me you will appreciate simplicity. Therefore, the one-button setup is much appreciated. It makes life a lot easier, especially when compared to other more complicated models.

Regarding the physical installation, you will need to get your DIY hat on, to be honest, but I appreciate the fact that it is not only compatible with wooden doors but also PVC or uPVC. As well as glass or walls.

The installation process also includes insulation to help to reduce the chance of draft coming in. It is also reassuring to know that it has been designed to cater for large cats (up to 17 pounds).

The batteries, not included, by the way, have a long life expectancy (estimated to be up to 12 months). There is also a handy battery indicator to warn you when the batteries are near to running out, which should be a rare occurrence, but much appreciated never the less.

In summary, its a great cat door, with multiple access options. With the added security of the microchip features. This will keep out unwanted guests such as the next doors cat.

What I do not love about this Petsafe cat door

As mentioned earlier, this will need some DIY to install this. So, it’s worth understanding this ahead of time. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s just another hurdle before you can use the device.

Also, regarding the installation, the holding pins provided are a bit flimsy, in my opinion. I’m sure it won’t be a big issue, but it did concern me slightly.

03. DualScan Microchip Cat Door

Click here for the price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Uses existing microchip to secure the cat door
  • Ideal for multi-cat houses
  • Can fit doors, walls or even glass
  • Compatible with most common microchips
  • DualScan controls (Set permissions for each pet exiting)
  • Easy setup (one button)
  • Long battery life (Approx. 12 months)

Cons:

  • May need to train your cat at first
  • Clicking sound (when microchip activated) can startle your cat
  • Batteries not included
  • Tunnel extenders might be required (for wall installs)

What I like about this cat door

This cat door is a great dual scan model. It allows scanning of your cats microchip not only on entry but also when she exits. This is a useful feature that will free you up from having to keep letting her in and out.

Like the other cat doors in this guide, it uses your cat’s existing microchip to validate entry (and exit) into your home.

It is a good cat door specifically for cats with multiple cats. Why? Well, it has the ability to program it to control entry & exit for each individual pet. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be a cat, it could be a small dog, etc.

The microchip that it relies on is good because it works with the most common offerings, so there is a good chance it will work for you. And, it is easy to set up using just one button.

Like the other cat doors in this guide, it too has a long battery lifetime (up to 12 months). And, is also compatible with doors, windows, and walls.

In general, this is an ideal choice for a cat owner that security-conscious but also appreciated quality and simplicity.

What I do not like about this cat door

Just understand that with this, and the other cat doors here, you may need to train your kitty to start using it.

One of the annoyances I have with this is the clicking sound it makes when the microchip mechanism is activated. I know, this sounds like a nit-pick, but hear me out first.

Basically, this little click can startle your kitty. And, should this happen it may make her hesitate for a few seconds. By which time it’s locked and may confuse her. To be honest, this may not be an issue, but it’s just an observation.

Also, if you plan to install this on a thick wall, you may need extra tunnel extensions. Most people won’t, but it’s worth understanding this upfront.