Are microchip cat flaps any good?

[Peachyking000]

We have 2 lovely one year old cats, both neutered and microchipped males (brothers). They have free access to House and garden, and we have cat flaps for our kitchen and garage. Problem is, next door’s cat keeps using them and eating their food, and they are afraid if it. Are microchip cat flaps reliable? I’m thinking of getting them, but worried in case they don’t work properly and the cats get stuck outside, while we are out!

I have two of the Sureflap ones for my three cats, they're brilliant. I think there's now a newer version which you can control via your phone using wifi, I'm resisting investigating as I know I'll want to upgrade....

I think they could be good. However our recently installed one doesn’t work at the moment...

We've upgraded to the new Sureflap with hub so you can control it by your phone. It's excellent, though you cannot keep in one cat while the other one is out. It's either keep both in or both out. If the weather is bad and you're at work, see they've both come in then you can lock it from your phone (furries find this very annoying). It's expensive but like all Sureflap stuff it's worth it.

And yes, every time they go in and out your phone miaows- endless fun at work! It shows stats of how long they spend in the garden, not long at all when its raining.

I so want that one!

What's the problem with it, Hookedoncatnip? Might any of us be able to help you?

(I'm assuming you're talking about a normal Sure Flap - not a phone controlled Sure Flap?)