SureFlap vs Cat Mate Elite: which microchip cat flap should you buy?

Quick answer: Choose the SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap if you have several cats, an older or unusual microchip, or simply want the flap that accepts the widest range of chips (the maker says all common ID chips) and stores up to 32 pets. Choose the Cat Mate Elite 355W if you want a night curfew without an app: it has a built-in timer, a 4-way lock and an LCD display, and stores up to 9 cats with a 15-digit chip or a Cat Mate I.D. disc. If your cat is large, look at a bigger pet door instead of either flap.

Why microchip flaps make more sense now

Cat microchipping became compulsory in England on 10 June 2024. GOV.UK says owners must have their cat chipped before it reaches 20 weeks old, with contact details kept up to date on an approved database, and that owners who do not comply could face a fine of up to 500 pounds. Cats Protection, which campaigned for the change, points out that the law applies in England only. If your cat is already chipped, a microchip flap needs no collar tag: it reads the chip under the skin and lets your own cats in while keeping other cats out. Both flaps here let any cat out freely; they control who comes in.

The comparison that matters

Chip compatibility: check this first

This is the factor most likely to rule a flap out. Sure Petcare says the SureFlap works with all common identification microchips and has an online compatibility checker. Closer Pets says the Cat Mate Elite reads a 15-digit microchip, or its own I.D. disc worn on a collar. Look up your cat's chip number on its database record or vet card: if it is not 15 digits, the SureFlap is the safer choice, or plan on the Cat Mate disc.

Curfews and routines

If you want your cats in at night automatically, the Cat Mate Elite does it on its own: Closer Pets describes a timer that sets curfews and access times, and the LCD shows whether each cat is in or out. The standard SureFlap has a manual lock and an in-only mode, which lets a cat come home but not go out again, but no timer. Sure Petcare sells a separate Microchip Cat Flap Connect with app-based curfews; it needs a Sure Petcare Hub, which is not included with the flap on its own, and the maker quotes up to 6 months of battery life rather than 12.

Fitting into doors, glass and walls

Both fit into doors: Closer Pets lists wooden, uPVC and metal doors for the Cat Mate, and Sure Petcare gives a 165 x 171 mm door cut-out for the SureFlap. For glass, a glazier cuts a round hole: SureFlap gives 212 mm as the optimum, and up to 260 mm with its mounting adaptor, which is sold separately and was shown out of stock on the maker's page when we looked. The Cat Mate Elite is listed for single and multiple glazing. For a wall, SureFlap uses 50 mm tunnel extenders, while the Cat Mate self-lines to 100 mm and uses Elite Wall Liner sections beyond that. Measure your door or wall thickness before buying the accessories.

Buying decision

Pick the SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap for multi-cat homes, cats with chips that are not 15 digits, or anyone who wants the simplest set-up with a longer stated warranty. Pick the Cat Mate Elite 355W if a night curfew is the main reason you are buying a flap and you would rather not use an app, and you have no more than nine cats with 15-digit chips. Skip both if your cat is large or you also have a small dog; a larger microchip pet door is a better fit.

Before you order

• Confirm your cat's microchip number format before buying the Cat Mate Elite.
• Check the exact model: SureFlap also sells a larger Microchip Pet Door and a Connect version; Cat Mate also sells the 360 pet door and an I.D.-disc-only Elite. The Cat Mate link here is the Elite microchip flap with timer.
• Measure the door, panel or wall thickness and order tunnel extenders, liners or the glass adaptor at the same time.
• Batteries are not included with SureFlap (4 x AA), and the Cat Mate also runs on 4 x AA.
• Plan the fitting: a glass panel needs a round hole cut to size, which is usually a job for a glazier.

FAQ

Do microchip cat flaps work with every microchip?

Not all of them. Sure Petcare says the SureFlap reads all common ID chips; Closer Pets says the Cat Mate Elite reads 15-digit chips or its own I.D. disc. Check your cat's chip number first.

Can I set a curfew on the standard SureFlap?

It has a manual lock and an in-only mode, but no timer. Timed curfews need the SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect with a Sure Petcare Hub and the app.

Will other cats still be able to get out if they get in?

Both flaps let any cat exit freely. They only control entry, which is how they keep neighbourhood cats out.

Is microchipping cats compulsory across the UK?

GOV.UK's announcement covers England, from 10 June 2024, with cats to be chipped before 20 weeks old. Cats Protection notes that the law applies in England only.

Can I fit a cat flap in double glazing?

Yes, with a round hole cut by a glazier. SureFlap needs a 212 to 260 mm hole and its mounting adaptor; the Cat Mate Elite is listed for single and multiple glazing.

How we researched this

On 10 October 2026 we read GOV.UK's announcement on compulsory cat microchipping, Cats Protection's press release, Sure Petcare's UK specification pages for the Microchip Cat Flap and the Connect version, and Closer Pets' page for the Cat Mate Elite 355W, and checked both listings on Amazon.co.uk. We did not buy, fit or use either flap. Specifications are as published by the makers on that date. Buying links and any commission relationship are disclosed on this page.

Sources

• GOV.UK – Cat microchipping now mandatory
• Cats Protection – compulsory microchipping of cats
• Sure Petcare – SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap specifications
• Sure Petcare – Microchip Cat Flap Connect
• Closer Pets – Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap with Timer (355W)
• Amazon.co.uk listing, ASIN B003EGIM3O
• Amazon.co.uk listing, ASIN B009GODTTK