OnlyCat Review 2026: Prey Detection, Access Controls & Fitting

OnlyCat is a microchip cat flap with camera-based prey detection. Its camera assesses an approaching cat, while the microchip reader and access settings decide which registered cats may enter or leave.

About this review: this is a research-based buying guide, using OnlyCat's published product and support information. It is not a controlled hands-on test, and we have not measured a prey-detection success rate. Product pictures show the manufacturer's device, not proof of our own testing.

The important distinction: a standard microchip flap checks identity; OnlyCat adds a check for prey. OnlyCat's FAQ explains the manufacturer's intended behaviour.

Prey detection can pause entry for that attempt. According to OnlyCat, your cat can return without prey, subject to its entry permissions. That is more precise than saying the device permanently locks a cat out until it drops an object.

Detection is not a guarantee that nothing unwanted will ever enter. Consider missed detections, false alerts and your cat's behaviour when deciding whether it suits your home. Don't treat promotional demonstrations or individual testimonials as a measured result for your cat.

Before relying on it, understand your settings and provide a way to bring your cat inside yourself. Read the manufacturer FAQ for current prey-detection behaviour and controls.

OnlyCat offers individual entry and exit controls for registered cats. This matters if one cat needs to stay indoors while another has outdoor access.

A basic selective-entry flap is different: it can recognise cats on the way in without identifying them on the way out. Check the precise permissions you need rather than assuming every 'microchip' model provides per-cat exit control.

For a household without a prey problem, compare OnlyCat with SureFlap Connect and consider whether access controls alone solve your need.

The companion app provides access settings and video information. Check both power and connectivity before buying: there must be a practical route to a power source and a suitable connection at the flap position.

OnlyCat says core prey detection and microchip decisions operate locally; internet-dependent app updates and notifications should not be confused with the physical access function. Review the manufacturer's current offline behaviour and settings before relying on remote control.

Ask yourself whether you will actually use the clips and individual permissions. If you only want chip-controlled entry, a simpler battery-powered model may be enough.

OnlyCat includes a camera, display and electronic access controls. These features make it a more involved purchase than a manual flap.

Power is a key fitting check. The manufacturer says OnlyCat is designed for mains power. A large external battery pack is an alternative, but its example of a typical 20,000 mAh pack lasts approximately 24–36 hours — not months between battery changes. Runtime depends on the pack and usage. Do not assume the flap has a built-in long-duration backup. OnlyCat power guidance.

Plan the cable route so door movement cannot crush or snag it, and confirm the power arrangement before ordering glazing.

We fit OnlyCat into suitable uPVC, composite, wooden and glass doors; we do not offer wall installations. The correct opening and mounting accessories must be checked for the exact model and door.

For a new glass installation, OnlyCat's glass guide specifies a 212 mm circular opening with the appropriate mounting adaptor. That is the glass aperture, not a universal door-cutting template. An existing hole must be checked against the manufacturer's adaptor guidance. OnlyCat glass installation guide.

Existing glass cannot be cut or enlarged. Where replacement is needed, we order a new toughened sealed unit with the aperture prepared before toughening. See our glass fitting service, uPVC fitting and composite fitting.

Owner feedback is useful, but it is not independent test data. Manufacturer-hosted testimonials can highlight the appeal of avoiding prey indoors, but don't establish a detection rate or long-term reliability for every home.

When reading current reviews, look for the cat's behaviour, how long the owner has used the device, missed or unwanted detections, Wi-Fi and power setup, and how support handled any problem. Give more weight to detailed accounts than to a star score alone.

Compare the same questions across alternatives rather than treating one enthusiastic quotation as a guarantee.

Check OnlyCat's current UK price, availability and included accessories before ordering. We have removed the older price comparison because a historic price is not a current offer.

Budget separately for the device, any mounting adaptor, the power arrangement and fitting. A glass job may also need a replacement sealed unit. Prices vary depending on door type, cat flap choice and location. We can install a cat flap you have already purchased.

See OnlyCat UK for the current product offer and request a fitting quote with photos of your door.

Consider OnlyCat if prey at the door is a regular problem and you also want individual cat access controls and video information. Confirm the power route, opening size and expected use before paying for premium features.

Consider a standard microchip flap if you mainly want to admit registered cats, don't need video, and prefer a simpler battery-powered setup. See our microchip buying guide.

Consider a ZeroMOUSE add-on if you want to investigate prey detection while keeping a compatible existing flap. Compatibility, power and connectivity still need checking. Read our ZeroMOUSE vs OnlyCat comparison; they are different approaches, not interchangeable products.

Send us photos of both sides of your door, your postcode, the exact model and whether you have already bought it. Include the nearest power socket and any existing flap.

We will check the door, opening, mounting accessories and cable route before confirming the job. Glass requires a new pre-cut toughened panel if the current opening is unsuitable. Prices vary depending on door type, cat flap choice and location. We can fit your own purchased flap.

Check our coverage areas. Every installation carries our 3-year workmanship guarantee, separate from the manufacturer's product terms.