Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle night to let out their cats, only to have them change their minds and decide to return later. A cat flap solves this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. There are a variety of advantages to having a cat flap that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to come and go whenever they want. If cat flap fitting near me prefer remain inside, they can do so at night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be out hunting late in the late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat could catch if they are out at night.
Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors cat to bother their pets, mark their house as territory and eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could provide security when you're away, such as when you are away for the evening or going on holiday. It connects to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of the home and lets you control the time they are allowed to come out and back in using the smart curfew feature you can set. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key can provide additional security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is recommended to spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each time they do it. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps on the market. They all have different features. It is important to select a cat flap that suits the dimensions of your pet so that they can move between the two without difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in various ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to programme, making them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movement in the house even when you're not around. Certain models come with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the door or window using an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat could wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely lock the flap on your cat's door and monitor your pet's health via the app.
You can also opt for a four way manual locking system which offers more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is particularly useful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and be unable to use the traditional flap. This can be used to deter your pets coming in if they're unwell or it's 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 are effective in keeping your neighbors' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that take place within the home. Many cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be fitted to a door or window, it's simple 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 by offering their favourite food. It might be difficult to teach your cat the first time however once you've mastered it, the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnet around your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a good option for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models offer different locking options. You can set it to open or close with an exit only, or entrance only. They can be helpful for those who want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and returns especially late at night or when you're not home. They are useful in situations where you're away from home for an extended period of time and want to be sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater security and are safer for your pets. Some of these flaps even have video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat's body to become used to being outside by itself in the event that they've never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new environment quickly. Others may need to be gently enthused and require time to learn how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. But remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the cat flap while maintaining an ebullient, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will realize that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other side.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can begin introduction to the outdoors and let them experience their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outside world it is possible to keep them inside at night or just leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require. It it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they can always return home should they wish to.