SureFlap, the microchip-operated pet door company, has become an affiliate partner of animal rehoming charity Wood Green in a bid to promote the microchipping of pets.

And ahead of National Microchipping Month, SureFlap has donated 48 of its cat flaps to Wood Green.

Wood Green is keen to work with organisations, such as SureFlap, that promote microchipping as an animal welfare ‘best practice’ initiative.

Beverley Street, deputy manager of cat welfare at Wood Green, says: “We receive many cats that have evidently been loved and well cared for but come to us when it hasn’t been possible to identify their owners. All our cats and dogs are microchipped before leaving Wood Green. To operate SureFlap pet doors the animal needs to be microchipped, creating another prompt for owners to take action.”

SureFlap pet doors use a resident cat’s microchip to ensure only authorised pets can enter the house, keeping out intruder animals. Vets recommend microchip-operated cat flaps, as they don’t require the animal to wear a collar, which can become tangled in branches.

Additionally, recent research also reveals that secure pet doors are beneficial to a cat’s health. A survey of cat owners showed that cats can become stressed by feline intruders entering their homes through a traditional cat flap. As a result these cats are more likely to develop skin problems such as itchy skin and hair loss.

Judith Bank, of SureFlap, says: “Cats are very territorial and many problems, such as spraying in the house, can be avoided if they feel secure in their own homes. We are delighted to become a partner of Wood Green and support its important work on improving animal welfare.” 

Last year the charity received 2,313 cats – almost half of the lost and unwanted animals they cared for that year. 

To help the charity fundraise, SureFlap has agreed to donate £10 each time its cat flap is purchased via the Wood Green website, with customers receiving a £6 discount.

Wood Green is running a Microchipping day on Monday, June 17. For more information ring 0844 248 8181 or email info@woodgreen.org.uk