REVIEW: Pet Mate Cat Mate(R) Elite Selective Electronic Cat Flap

I can't tell you how many different pet doors I've gone through. I still have a box full of them. I have used many different types from very basic, to advanced electronic versions which recognize only your own cat. One electronic pet door stands out from the rest as a great product which just works, 100% of the time.

The Cat Mat(R) Elite Selective Electronic Cat Flap is one of those products that just works. It is quite sophisticated, but well-made and practical. It uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to only allow pets wearing either of the two included special collar tags to come and go through the flap. It will support up to seven different pets wearing the special tags.

The collar tags are non-magnetic and do not use any batteries like some other products. The unit includes an integrated weather strip, and hardware for installation in doors up to 2" thick. You can also order a wall-install liner separately, which fits in the wall, between the interior and exterior sections of the unit.

Programming requires a little concentration, but the included printed instruction booklet is very good. There is also a separate booklet for installation. The unit uses 4 "AA" batteries and is very good on battery life. It can be set for "In and Out", where pets wearing the collars can come and go freely, "In Only", so pets can only come in and not go back out, "Out Only", so pets can go out and not come in, and "Locked" which prevents any pets from passing through the door.

How it works:
Your cat pushes on the clear hard plastic flap, the unit scans for a recognized collar tag, and opens the flap. It operates the same in both directions. Unless a cat is wearing one of the RFID tags, it cannot pass through the flap.

Of course, as with any new thing in your cat's life, she may require a little training. It is not difficult if you are consistent and persistent. The manual includes a section on training your cat to use the product. My cats were already used to pet doors so they took to it fairly quickly.

 

Baxter demonstrates the Elite Selective Electronic Cat Flap

I have purchased two of these units since 2008. Both are still working perfectly. The product is available in white or brown, and there is a more advanced model available which adds some additional electronic features.

What I like about the Pet Mate Cat Mate(R) Elite Selective Electronic Cat Flap

• Easy to install and program.
• Sips battery juice.
• Collar tags don't use batteries.
• Comes with everything you need to install and set up (except batteries).
• It just works

What could be improved-upon with Pet Mate Cat Mate(R) Elite Selective Electronic Cat Flap

• The collar tags are a little large for a cat (1.25" diameter).
• The "click" sound of the flap when it opens may be a little loud for some. You might think twice about installing the product near where people sleep.
• The unit cannot be set to allow a cat to pass through if the batteries die. So, if the unit's batteries are dead when your cat tries to use the door, it will not operate, so kitty could get stuck outside.

Manufacturer's website