The Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect is a smart pet door designed to give you more control over your cat’s movements while keeping unwanted animals out. After using the Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect for around 9 months, here’s a detailed look at how it performs in real-world use.
Price and Competition
The Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect comes in at around £182, which is not cheap for a cat flap. However, compared to alternatives like OnlyCat, which can cost over £500 and require hardwiring, it sits at a more accessible price point for a smart pet solution.
Check out the Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect
What’s in the Box
- Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect
- Mounting accessories
- Smart hub
The inclusion of the hub is essential, as it enables the smart features and connectivity.
Design and Build Quality
The Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect follows the familiar design language of previous SureFlap products. It features a mostly white body with a clear flap door and a manual lock on the interior side.
On the top of the unit, you’ll find the battery compartment and control buttons used for pairing and configuration.
The hub is compact, also finished in white, with an ethernet port and power input on the base. A unique design touch is the pair of illuminated “ears,” which can be disabled in the app if preferred.
Key Features and Specifications
- Stores up to 32 microchip IDs
- Supports both indoor-only and outdoor pets
- Customisable curfews for entry and exit
- Tracks pet activity and movement
- Battery powered (4 x AA, up to 6 months lifespan)
- Hub requires wired ethernet connection (no Wi-Fi)
If your cat isn’t microchipped, the Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect also supports RFID collar tags as an alternative.
Setup Process
Setting up the Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect is straightforward, especially if you are replacing an existing flap.
After installation, you’ll need to download the app, create an account, and add your home and device. The on-screen instructions guide you through the process step by step.
Adding pets involves putting the flap into pairing mode and guiding your cat near it so the microchip can be scanned. Once added, you can assign names and photos in the app.
The only real challenge here is convincing your cats to cooperate during setup.
Everyday Use and Performance
In daily use, the Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect performs reliably. The microchip recognition is fast and accurate, ensuring only authorised pets can enter.
The app provides useful notifications when your cat enters or leaves, along with insights into their behaviour, including how often they go out and how long they stay outside.
You can also:
- Enable indoor-only mode
- Manually lock or unlock the flap
- Set scheduled curfews
- Monitor pet activity over time
Battery life is close to the advertised 6 months, depending on usage, and you’ll receive notifications when batteries are running low.
Smart Home Integration
The Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect integrates with Home Assistant, exposing useful data such as pet presence, flap status, and lock controls.
This allows for additional automations, such as alerts if the device goes offline—something not currently provided in the official app.
Downsides
While the Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect works well overall, there are a couple of notable drawbacks.
Limited Hub Range
The hub has a relatively weak wireless connection to the flap, meaning it needs to be positioned close by. In testing, distances beyond around 8–10 feet resulted in intermittent connectivity issues.
Since the hub requires a wired ethernet connection, placement can be restrictive.
Maintenance Requirements
The exterior portion of the flap can accumulate dirt over time, which may cause the door to stick open. Periodic cleaning is necessary to ensure reliable operation.
Final Verdict
The Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect is a well-designed smart pet device that delivers on its core promises. It effectively controls access, keeps unwanted animals out, and provides useful insights into your pet’s behaviour.
While the price is relatively high and the hub range is a limitation, the overall experience is solid, especially if you’re already invested in a smart home setup.
For those looking to upgrade to a connected pet flap, the Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect is a strong option worth considering.
Check availability and pricing here: SUREFLAP_CONNECT_AFFILIATE_LINK
