Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of getting up in the middle night to let out their cats, only to have them change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats access and block access to other cats. There are many benefits to having a cat flap that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to come and go whenever they like. If they prefer remain inside, they can do so at night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from catching them.
Cats can enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This is a worry for pet owners who don't want neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as a territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind even when you're not home like when you are away for the evening or out on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. You can also share your app access with family and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will add additional security by only allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is crucial to spend time educating your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it - start by letting the flap open to let them see and sniff around. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each when they do this. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot of them come with various features. It is important to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet, so that they can easily move in and out without any difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to programme, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to monitor your pet's movements within the home even if you're not around. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the door or window using an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful when read more you're worried that your cat might wander too far from home or you're worried about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat flap if they are in trouble.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who is able to enter and leave. This is especially useful fitting a cat flap in a upvc door when you have a naive cat or an older cat who might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or it is raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also decrease the number of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of certain herbs such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them through it when they are still hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be fitted to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them to use it by offering their favorite food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time, but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap, which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it to here be inserted. These are more expensive but they function by using a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant access to your home. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models provide various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close with an exit only, or entrance only. These are great for those who need to regulate the time your cat goes and comes, especially at night or if you're not home. They may also be useful in situations where you're away from your home for extended periods of time and need to ensure that your cat is safely indoors.
You can also select a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This lets you control the entry and exit of your cat easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these flaps also have video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat's body to become accustomed to going out on their own even if they've never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and taught to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide which training methods to use. Remember that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, it's better to try and encourage them by offering them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the click here flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the cat flap, while speaking in a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it brings them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to push check here the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them explore their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like cats in the area.
If you are unsure whether your cat is in a position to handle the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. This lets you make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home should they wish to.