Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cat out but only to change their minds and come to return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats access and block access to other cats. A cat flap has a number of advantages, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. They can stay in their home at night if prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who may be out hunting at late at night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are out at night.
Cats can enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their house as a territory, eat their food, or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
It can also provide peace of mind if you are away from home, like when you go on vacation or go out at night. It is linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. You can give them praise and rewards each time they do so. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. It is important to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet so that they can move in and out without any difficulty. You should also look for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and stop burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock or opt for microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to programme, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you are away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track your pets' movements through the windows or doors through an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat could wander off from your home, or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat flap should check here they do get into trouble.
You here can also choose a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is particularly useful for cats that are aggressive or older and may struggle with the traditional flap. This is a great option to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow entry here when the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they work well to keep your neighbors' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the number of accidents that take place within the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be affixed to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It's not easy to master the process the first time, but once they've done it start, they should continue to follow the habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They're more expensive however they work by putting the magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats as they stop stray cats from entering your property.
Other models offer different locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open and exit only or only for entrance. They can be helpful when you want to regulate when your cat goes out and returns particularly late at night or you're not home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a long time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also more info select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This allows you to control the entrance and exit of your cat easily. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more peace of mind and are safer for your pet. Some of these flaps even include video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Based on their nature, some are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap using their paws or head. Watching them from the outside and inside can help you work out what methods you can use to train them but be aware that all cats are different.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, try and encourage them by offering them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the flap while using a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will be able to see that it brings them closer to the reward on the other end.
When your cat begins to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introduction to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals such as neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to cope with the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it requires, but you can also give them a chance to click here escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.