Smart pet doors
Pet Mate Microchip Cat Flap review
Published 20 June 2026
An affordable microchip flap covering the essentials for single and small multi-cat homes, with selective entry and a weather-resistant seal. A reasonable budget alternative to SureFlap, with a narrower read-zone and fewer pet slots.
Best for: Single and small multi-cat homes on a budget
From £39.99 checked 20 Jun 2026
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What works
- Affordable
- Reliable selective entry
- Weather-resistant seal
- Easy install
- Good essentials
What falls short
- Narrower read-zone
- Fewer pet slots
- No app or curfew
How it scores
We rate every product in this category on the same criteria, weighted by how much they matter in daily use. Each score is out of 10.
| Criterion | Weight | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recognition accuracy and reliability | 25% | 7.5 | Reliable microchip reading; pets scan close to the flap |
| Security and stray exclusion | 20% | 8.0 | Selective entry gives good stray exclusion |
| Weatherproofing and seal | 15% | 7.5 | Weather-resistant seal, adequate for most homes |
| Response speed | 10% | 7.0 | Adequate response; pets scan close |
| Pet capacity and compatibility | 10% | 7.0 | Stores a modest number of pets; reads existing chips |
| App and access control | 10% | 4.0 | No app; selective access on the unit |
| Installation and fit | 5% | 8.0 | Easy DIY install on most doors |
| Value | 5% | 8.5 | Good budget value for the essentials |
| Weighted total | 7.23 |
How we score: each rating combines the manufacturer specification with the weight of feedback from owners and independent reviewers. We do not copy other reviews. The score is our own synthesis, and we show the reasoning so you can judge it yourself.
See how the Pet Mate Microchip Cat Flap ranks against other smart pet doors
Key specifications
| Recognition | Microchip |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Modest, small multi-cat |
| Locking | Selective entry |
| Fitting | DIY, most doors |
| Power | Batteries |
| Best for | Budget single/small multi-cat |
Common questions
Is the Pet Mate flap a good budget choice?
Yes, it covers the essentials, microchip selective entry and a weather-resistant seal, at a low price, suiting single and small multi-cat homes that do not need high capacity or app features.
How does it compare to SureFlap?
SureFlap has a wider read-zone, higher pet capacity and a built-in curfew. The Pet Mate is the cheaper, simpler option for basic reliable exclusion.
Is it easy to fit?
Yes, it is designed for straightforward DIY installation on most doors.
Looking at something else? See our pet cameras