From basic cat flaps to cutting-edge smart cat doors with AI prey detection, we've reviewed them all to help you make the right choice.
See our definitive 2026 rankings below.
Tired of finding mice, birds, and other 'gifts' in your kitchen? This is our niche focus. We rigorously tested the latest smart cat flaps on AI accuracy, unlock speed, and real-world performance to find out which ones *actually* work.
Click on a product in the chart, or tap a pill below on mobile, to see our full analysis.
The clear winner. Market-leading accuracy, very fast unlocking, and solid build quality with features that actually work. The investment pays for itself with peace of mind.
OnlyCat stood out as delivering our full wishlist of functionality in a well-designed product. It records high-quality videos of cat entries and exits, which are accessible from a sleek mobile app. Entry and exit permissions are fully configurable from the app, meaning it can be used to keep indoor cats inside, as well as preventing entry from neighborhood cats and other animals. In our testing, prey detection was instantaneous and has yet to let us down. Customers report strong customer service and user experiences. For homes with an existing SureFlap cat flap, it's a simple drop-in upgrade and is even compatible with SureFlap accessories.
The path to a reliable AI cat flap is strewn with failures. These projects serve as cautionary tales in a market that's hard to get right.
Overpromised on Kickstarter and failed to deliver. The project appears to be abandoned.
The company behind the original KittyFlap product went out of business due to failures with delivery and customer service.
Don't need prey detection? These cat doors keep out neighborhood cats by reading your pet's existing microchip. Here's the undisputed leader.
For multi-cat homes, the SureFlap DualScan is a fantastic choice. It allows you to set exit permissions for each cat, keeping specific pets indoors while others are free to roam. It's the perfect solution for homes that don't need advanced AI capabilities but still want robust control and security.
For completeness, if you just need a simple, non-electronic flap, these are reliable options for those on a tight budget without concerns about strays or prey.
A durable and popular choice for years, the Cat Mate offers simple 4-way locking (in only, out only, open, locked) to control your pet's access. It's a straightforward, no-frills solution that gets the job done reliably without the need for batteries or microchips.