CatFortress
SureFlap DualScan Microchip Cat Flap Review: Worth It?
Cat Fortress is reader-supported. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Editorial note: This evidence-based review uses manufacturer specifications, installation guidance and practical use-case analysis. We have not presented it as hands-on testing. See how we review products.
Verdict: SureFlap DualScan is the right model when household cats need different outdoor permissions. It scans cats in both directions, keeping intruders out while allowing selected resident cats to exit and requiring others to remain indoors. If every cat may go outside, the standard SureFlap is simpler and usually better value.
| Best for | Multi-cat homes where only certain cats may go outside |
|---|---|
| Identification | Compatible microchip or Sure Petcare RFID collar tag |
| Stored identities | Up to 32 |
| Flap opening | Approximately 5 5/8 in wide × 4 3/4 in high |
| Power | Four AA batteries |
| Our assessment | Worth the upgrade only when individual exit permissions matter |
Measure your cat and confirm installation accessories and the exact Amazon model before ordering. Availability and international matching can change.
What makes DualScan different?
The standard SureFlap reads a registered cat on entry, preventing unfamiliar animals from coming inside. DualScan adds identity checking in both directions. This allows the owner to assign exit permission individually: one cat may go out while another remains indoors.
That distinction is useful in a mixed household—for example, an established adult cat may have outdoor access while a new kitten, recovering cat or indoor-only cat must stay inside.
Who should buy DualScan?
Homes with indoor and outdoor cats
This is the clearest use case. The flap can allow an outdoor cat to leave while refusing exit to another registered cat that must remain indoors.
Temporary indoor restrictions
A cat recovering from illness or surgery may need to remain inside while other cats continue their usual routine. DualScan can support that separation, although supervision and the manual lock remain important.
Kittens living with adult outdoor cats
An adult may retain outdoor access while a kitten stays indoors until it is old enough, appropriately vaccinated, microchipped and familiar with the home environment.
Multi-cat homes needing selective entry too
DualScan also keeps unregistered animals out, providing the same basic intruder protection expected from the standard microchip flap.
Who should choose another model?
- Every cat has identical access: choose the standard SureFlap and avoid paying for unused exit control.
- You want remote locking or activity history: choose Cat Flap Connect.
- Your cat needs a larger opening: consider the Microchip Pet Door range.
- You cannot alter the installation surface: obtain permission or use a suitable alternative.
- You need absolute containment: no cat flap should replace direct supervision when escape would be dangerous.
What we like
Individual exit permissions solve a specific problem
DualScan is not merely a premium version of the same flap. It addresses a household situation the standard model cannot: different resident cats needing different rules.
No Hub or app required
Programming and operation remain local. There is no Wi-Fi account, subscription or connected infrastructure to maintain.
Selective entry remains included
Registered cats can enter while unfamiliar cats and other unregistered animals are kept outside during normal operation.
Multiple identities
Storing up to 32 pet identities provides ample capacity for ordinary multi-cat households.
What could be better
The interior scanner affects approach space
Because DualScan identifies cats in both directions, installation position and approach space matter. Check the manufacturer’s clearance and tunnel guidance so the cat enters the reading area correctly.
Tailgating is still possible
One cat may attempt to follow closely behind an authorised cat. The flap controls the lock, but it cannot understand every interaction between cats. Observe early use rather than assuming perfect containment.
It costs more than the standard model
The extra cost is justified only when per-cat exit rules are required. If all household cats share the same permissions, DualScan adds little practical value.
Size remains limited
DualScan uses the smaller cat-flap format. Large, broad or less mobile cats may be better served by the larger Pet Door after careful measurement.
DualScan vs standard SureFlap
| Feature | Standard | DualScan |
|---|---|---|
| Selective entry | Yes | Yes |
| Individual exit permissions | No | Yes |
| App control | No | No |
| Hub required | No | No |
| Opening size | Cat-flap size | Cat-flap size |
| Best for | Keeping intruders out | Different rules for resident cats |
Read our standard SureFlap review or the focused SureFlap versus DualScan comparison.
DualScan vs Connect
DualScan provides individual entry and exit control without connectivity. Cat Flap Connect adds remote locking, curfew control and entry/exit history through the Sure Petcare app, with a Hub required for connected functions.
Choose DualScan when local rules are enough. Pay for Connect only if remote control or activity records will genuinely be used.
Installation considerations
Identify whether the flap will be installed in timber, composite material, metal, glass or a wall. Glass and wall installations normally require specific adapters or tunnel components, and professional installation may be sensible.
Metal can affect microchip reading, so follow Sure Petcare’s installation guidance and use the specified adapter where required. Check the required interior and exterior clearance before cutting anything.
Programming household cats
- Install fresh batteries of the specified type.
- Register each cat’s microchip or compatible RFID collar tag.
- Assign the intended exit permission to every registered cat.
- Test each cat separately before relying on the rule.
- Recheck settings after battery changes or any reset.
- Keep a written note of which cats should have outdoor access.
Training and early supervision
Introduce the flap gradually. A cat may need time to accept the flap movement, locking sound and enclosed scanner area. Use treats and familiar cues without forcing the animal through.
Supervise early use to check that the correct cats can enter and exit, restricted cats are refused, and no cat learns to tailgate another. Use the manual lock or direct separation when containment is critical.
Security and welfare limitations
A microchip flap controls pet access; it is not a high-security lock for people. Install it away from internal handles, keys and other reachable security controls.
Outdoor access involves local risks such as traffic, parasites, disease, conflict and wildlife. An individual cat’s health, age, temperament and environment should determine whether unsupervised outdoor access is appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Can DualScan keep one cat inside while another goes out?
Yes. Individual exit permissions are its defining feature.
Does it keep unfamiliar cats out?
Yes. It provides selective microchip entry for registered pets.
Does it need Wi-Fi?
No. DualScan is not an app-connected model.
Can an unmicrochipped cat use it?
A compatible Sure Petcare RFID collar tag can be used.
Will it prevent tailgating?
It controls the lock for the cat being scanned, but another cat may try to follow closely. Supervise and manage the environment when strict containment is essential.
Is it suitable for very large cats?
Measure the cat against the stated opening. The larger Microchip Pet Door may be more suitable.
Final recommendation
Buy DualScan when: resident cats need different exit permissions and you want that control without an app or Hub.
Choose the standard model when: every household cat may leave and the only goal is preventing intruders from entering.
Related review: Read our upgraded SureFlap Connect review for remote locking, curfews, activity history and the Hub bundle.