Are SureFlap Cat Doors Worth It?

SureFlap cat doors can be worth it if your cat needs a private entrance and the local freeloaders have started treating the food bowl like a buffet. They cost more than a standard cat flap and use batteries, but they can help keep unwanted animals out while giving your own pet more freedom. The best option depends on your pet, your home and where the door will be installed.

At Sharp Glass, we install pet doors for Christchurch homes, including standard, electronic, microchip-activated and customer-supplied pet doors. If you are considering a SureFlap or another microchip pet door, it is worth checking the installation requirements before choosing a model.

Key Takeaways

• SureFlap is a good option if unwanted cats are entering your home.
• It gives more access control than a standard cat flap.
• It costs more and uses batteries, so it is not necessary for every home.
• The right model depends on your pet’s size and access needs.
• Glass and double-glazed installations usually need a glazier.
• Sharp Glass can help with pet door installation in Christchurch, including microchip pet doors and customer-supplied products.

Why Homeowners Start Looking at SureFlap

Most people look at SureFlap because a basic cat flap is no longer doing enough.

A basic flap might be fine in a sheltered hallway door, but it can feel very different on a windy Christchurch day. If the flap rattles, lets in cold air, or sits in an exposed glass door in suburbs like New Brighton, Southshore, Sumner, Redcliffs or Cashmere, the issue is not just pet access. It is comfort, security and control. SureFlap may be worth considering if you want more control at night, while travelling, or when other cats are coming inside and upsetting your own cat.

For Christchurch homes, there is also the fit and sealing question. A flap in an exposed back door or glass slider can rattle, leak or let in cold air if it is not the right product for the location.

Is SureFlap a Good Option for Your Home?

SureFlap is a good option if the main issue is unwanted animals entering your home.

SureFlap microchip pet doors recognise your pet’s microchip or a compatible RFID collar tag. Once your pet is registered, the door can unlock for them while staying closed to animals that are not registered.

So, is it worth it? Usually, yes if unwanted cats are the problem. If you only need simple access, a standard flap may do the job.

If your cat is not microchipped, speak with your vet first. The SPCA explains the benefits of microchipping pets, including helping lost pets be reunited with their owners.

What Are the Considerations?

The main benefit of SureFlap is better control. Your cat gets freedom, but your home is not open to every animal that pushes through the flap.

The trade-offs are:

• It costs more than a basic cat flap.
• It uses batteries.
• Some cats need time to get used to it.
• The model needs to suit your pet’s size.
• Glass installation may need an adaptor.
• Double glazing or safety glass may need a new panel.

Which SureFlap Model Suits Your Pet?

The best SureFlap model depends on your pet’s size and how much control you want. There are four to choose from:

• The SureFlap Microchip Cat Door suits many cats and provides controlled cat access.
• The SureFlap DualScan Microchip Cat Door may suit homes where some cats are allowed outside and others need to stay indoors.
• The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door is better for larger cats and small dogs. Sure Petcare says this model is designed for large cats and small dogs, can store up to 32 pet identities, and can work with microchips or SureFlap RFID collar tags.
• The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect suits owners who want app-connected control. It requires the Hub, sold separately, to use app features.

If size is your main concern, read our guide on how big a pet door should be.

What Should You Check Before Buying?

Before buying a SureFlap, check the pet, the product and the installation location.

The main things to confirm are:

• Is your pet an average cat, large cat or small dog?
• Is your pet microchipped, or will you need an RFID collar tag?
• Do you need simple entry control, curfew settings or app control?
• Will it go into timber, aluminium, glass, a wall or a sliding door?
• Does the model need a mounting adaptor?
• Will the location be exposed to wind or rain?

If the pet door is going into glass, also check:

• What type of glass you have.
• Whether the chosen model suits the panel.
• Whether a new glass panel or unit is needed.

A good product still needs to be fitted and sealed properly. If the location is exposed, read our guide on how to weatherproof a pet door. For more detail, read our guides on how to install a pet door in glass and how to install a cat door in your glass door.

How Much Does SureFlap Installation Cost?

SureFlap installation cost depends on the model, where it is being installed and whether a new glass panel or unit is needed. Glass and double-glazed installs are usually more involved than standard door installs.

Sharp Glass offers free, no-obligation quotes for pet door installation, so you can confirm the right approach before committing.

When Should You Speak to Sharp Glass?

You can get advice from us before buying the pet door, especially if you are unsure which model suits your pet or the available space. Speak to Sharp Glass if you are considering a SureFlap for glass, double glazing, safety glass or a sliding glass door.

We install standard, electronic, microchip-activated and customer-supplied pet doors for Christchurch homes.

Ready to Install a SureFlap or Microchip Pet Door?

A SureFlap can be a smart upgrade if you want better access control for your pet.

For glass, double glazing, safety glass or sliding doors, Sharp Glass can help you choose the right installation approach and provide a free, no-obligation quote.

Book your pet door installation with Sharp Glass, The Good Guys in Glass.

FAQs

Is a SureFlap worth it compared with a standard cat flap?

Yes, if unwanted cats are entering your home or you want better access control. A standard cat flap may be enough if you only need simple access.

Can a SureFlap pet door be installed in double glazing?

Yes, but a double-glazed unit usually needs to be made with the correct opening.

Do I need a mounting adaptor for glass?

Usually, yes. Sure Petcare says the Microchip Pet Door requires a mounting adaptor for glass installations.

Can I use my existing glass panel?

It depends on the glass type and whether the existing panel already has a suitable opening. Double-glazed or toughened safety glass often needs a new panel.

Should I buy the pet door before speaking to a glazier?

If the pet door is going into glass, speak with a glazier first. This helps confirm the right model and installation approach.

Can a SureFlap work if my pet is not microchipped?

Yes, some SureFlap models can work with a compatible RFID collar tag.

Can Sharp Glass install a SureFlap I already bought?

Yes, Sharp Glass can install customer-supplied pet doors, including SureFlap models, where the product and installation location are suitable.

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