CatFortress
SureFlap vs DualScan: Which Microchip Cat Flap Do You Need?
Both recognise your cat’s microchip and help keep unwanted visitors out. The deciding difference is simple: DualScan can also identify cats as they leave.
The 20-second answer
Compare the two models
SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap
The straightforward model reads authorised microchips on entry. It solves the common problem of neighbourhood cats or wildlife getting into your home without adding controls you may never use.
- Selective microchip entry
- Normal exit without individual cat rules
- No Wi-Fi, app or Hub
- Strong choice for uncomplicated households
SureFlap DualScan Microchip Cat Flap
DualScan reads a cat’s identity in both directions. That extra scan lets you assign different outdoor permissions to individual cats without needing connected app features.
- Microchip scanning on entry and exit
- Individual exit permissions
- No Wi-Fi, app or Hub
- More flexible for multi-cat households
SureFlap vs DualScan feature table
| Feature | Standard SureFlap | DualScan |
|---|---|---|
| Keeps unfamiliar animals out | Yes | Yes |
| Reads approved cats on entry | Yes | Yes |
| Identifies cats as they leave | No individual exit scanning | Yes |
| Different exit permission per cat | No | Yes |
| App or remote locking | No | No |
| Sure Petcare Hub required | No | No |
| Best reason to buy | Simple intruder prevention | Multi-cat access management |
Three households, three easy decisions
One healthy outdoor cat
You want to stop another cat eating food inside. The standard model is probably enough.
Two cats, one stays inside
One cat may roam, while a kitten, recovering cat or indoor-only cat must remain inside. DualScan is the relevant model.
You want phone control
Neither model is app-connected. Move up to Cat Flap Connect rather than buying DualScan for a feature it does not have.
When DualScan is worth paying more for
DualScan earns its place when different cats genuinely need different permissions. This may happen during a recovery period, when introducing a young cat to outdoor access, or when one cat is permanently indoor-only.
The advantage is not that DualScan is universally “better.” It is that it solves a specific multi-cat problem while remaining independent of Wi-Fi and an app.
When the standard model is the smarter buy
If every approved cat can leave through the flap, DualScan’s extra exit control may add cost without changing daily life. The standard model still provides the core benefit many owners actually need: it opens for recognised pets and helps keep uninvited animals outside.
Choosing the simpler model can also make household instructions easier. There is less configuration to explain to a pet sitter, and no individual exit schedule to maintain.
Check fit before choosing features
Standard and DualScan belong to the smaller Cat Flap range. Before ordering, compare your cat’s body size and the proposed cut-out with the manufacturer’s current dimensions. Larger cats may need the larger Microchip Pet Door range instead.
- Measure the cat at the widest comfortable point.
- Measure any existing cut-out rather than assuming it is compatible.
- Check the material: timber, uPVC, metal, walls and glass may require different accessories.
- Ask a qualified glazier about glass installations before purchasing or cutting.
Frequently asked questions
Does the standard SureFlap stop a selected cat from leaving?
It is designed primarily for selective entry rather than individual exit restrictions. Choose DualScan when different cats need different permissions for going outside.
Does DualScan need the Sure Petcare Hub?
No. DualScan provides two-way microchip scanning without an app or Hub.
Is DualScan the same as SureFlap Connect?
No. DualScan adds individual entry and exit permissions without internet connectivity. Connect products add app-based functions and require compatible Hub connectivity.
Can both models recognise more than one cat?
They are designed for multi-pet registration, but check the current manufacturer capacity and microchip compatibility for the exact model before purchase.
Which is better for a large cat?
Fit matters more than the Standard-versus-DualScan feature difference. If the smaller flap opening is unsuitable, compare the larger Microchip Pet Door models.
Continue your comparison
See our best SureFlap buyer’s shortlist, the complete five-model comparison, or our SureFlap Connect guide.
Editorial note: this guide compares published functions and practical household use cases. It does not claim hands-on testing or replace veterinary or installation advice.
Related review: Read our complete SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap review for the standard model’s fit, installation and limitations.
Related review: Read our complete SureFlap DualScan review for individual exit permissions, setup and limitations.