ZeroMOUSE Review 2026: The AI Add-On & Cat Flap That Keeps Prey Outside

ZeroMOUSE is the cheapest way to add prey detection to a cat flap you already own. The ZeroMOUSE 2.0 sensor sits inside the tunnel of most microchip cat flaps (SureFlap, PetSafe, Cat Mate / Closer Pets) and stops the flap opening when its camera sees prey in your cat's mouth.

• Best for: owners who already have a working microchip flap and a cat that hunts
• Price: £209 on Amazon UK at the time of writing (2 November 2026), rated 4.2 out of 5 from 281 ratings
• Watch out for: it needs a plug socket near the flap (mains USB-C power, no battery) and Wi-Fi at the door
• Not perfect: owner reviews praise how much prey it stops, but some report missed detections and false alarms

Please note: this review is based on the manufacturer's information, the Amazon UK listing and public owner reviews. It is not a long-term hands-on test.

ZeroMOUSE is made by a German company (Mousebouncer GmbH) and comes in two forms:

1. ZeroMOUSE 2.0 add-on — a small camera sensor (about 58 × 59 × 17 mm, 25 g) that sticks inside the tunnel of your existing microchip cat flap. When it spots prey, it blocks the microchip signal so the flap stays locked.
2. ZeroMOUSE AI cat flap — a brand-new complete flap that recognises your cats by face instead of microchip, and checks for prey before opening. It was on pre-sale direct from ZeroMOUSE at €299 (regular €339) when we checked.

Both use the free ZeroMOUSE app to send photo alerts and let you switch prey blocking on or off.

The sequence is simple:

1. Your cat approaches the flap from outside and the camera takes images (it has night vision, so it works after dark).
2. The AI checks whether there's a mouse, bird or other small animal in your cat's mouth.
3. Prey spotted? The flap stays locked and you get an alert with the photo.
4. No prey? Your microchip flap opens as normal.

ZeroMOUSE states over 99% detection accuracy. That's the manufacturer's figure — owner reviews suggest it's very good but not flawless. Some owners mention setting the app to also block "inconclusive" images, which reduces the chance of prey slipping through but can occasionally keep your cat out when it's empty-mouthed.

The 2.0 add-on works with microchip cat flaps that have a tunnel. UK retailers list these as compatible:

• SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap
• SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect
• SureFlap DualScan
• SureFlap Microchip Pet Door and Pet Door Connect
• PetSafe Microchip Cat Flap
• Cat Mate / Closer Pets Microchip Cat Flap

Not compatible: PetSafe PetPorte and flaps with a fixed roof-style hood over the tunnel. Manual (non-microchip) flaps won't work either — ZeroMOUSE needs a microchip flap to block.

Not sure what you've got? Our microchip cat flap compatibility checker and our ZeroMOUSE fit guide will help.

This is the part most buyers miss:

• A plug socket near the cat flap. ZeroMOUSE has no battery — it runs constantly from a USB-C cable and plug (5 V, at least 2 A). Certain power banks are supported, but mains power is the normal set-up.
• A USB-C cable and plug — not supplied. The maker advises a cable that is not fabric-braided.
• Stable Wi-Fi at the door for alerts and updates.
• A smartphone with Bluetooth for set-up.
• Your cat's microchip already programmed into the flap.

If your back door is a long way from a socket, plan the cable route before you buy. A tidy cable clipped along the frame is fine; a trailing lead across the kitchen floor isn't.

ZeroMOUSE's complete cat flap combines prey detection with facial recognition, so your cats don't need a microchip or collar. You train the app with your cats' faces and only they are let in.

Key specs from the manufacturer:

• Flap opening: 156 × 136 mm
• Outside size: 226 × 245 × 123 mm
• Cut-out: about 165 × 170 mm
• Door thickness: 5–70 mm (thicker needs an extension)
• Glass: a round 212–215 mm hole without adapter
• USB-C mains power and Wi-Fi needed
• Not for fire doors

It can often reuse the holes from an old SureFlap or PetSafe, though the cut-out may need enlarging because extra electronics sit under the tunnel. That's a job worth getting a fitter for, especially in uPVC or composite doors.

Public reviews are mostly positive, with some recurring complaints:

What owners like

• Big drop in prey brought indoors — many say it stopped completely
• Quick, simple installation of the 2.0 add-on
• Photo alerts showing exactly what the cat tried to bring in

Common complaints

• Occasional missed detections or false alarms
• Adhesive pads and the need for mains power/cable
• Slow customer support replies for some buyers
• One UK owner on Reddit reported their unit losing its app connection and needing a replacement

At the time of writing, ZeroMOUSE shows 4.2 out of 5 on Amazon UK (281 ratings) and 4.29 out of 5 on Trusted Shops UK (198 reviews).

Both stop prey at the door, but they suit different households:

• ZeroMOUSE 2.0 — keep your existing microchip flap, add prey detection for around £209. Needs mains power.
• OnlyCat — a complete premium flap (around £400) with microchip reading, prey detection, rechargeable battery and a status display.

If your current SureFlap or PetSafe works well, ZeroMOUSE is the cheaper upgrade. If you're fitting a flap for the first time or want a battery-powered unit, OnlyCat is worth a look. See our full ZeroMOUSE vs OnlyCat comparison.

Buy ZeroMOUSE 2.0 if:

• Your cat regularly brings in mice, birds or frogs
• You already have a compatible microchip flap that works well
• There's a socket and Wi-Fi near the flap

Think twice if:

• Your flap is a manual or roofed model
• There's no power near the door
• You need a guarantee that nothing ever gets through — no prey detector can promise that

Check the current price of ZeroMOUSE 2.0 on Amazon UK

The 2.0 add-on is designed for DIY. Where we help is the flap itself: fitting a new compatible microchip flap, moving a flap closer to a socket, or fitting the new ZeroMOUSE AI cat flap into uPVC, composite, wooden or glass doors. For glass, existing toughened glass can't be cut, so we supply a new toughened panel with the hole made before toughening.

We can even install a ZeroMOUSE flap you've already bought. Prices vary depending on door type, cat flap choice and location — request a free quote or see our ZeroMOUSE fitting page.