Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let their pets out but only to change their minds and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. A cat flap has a number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to move around whenever they please. If they prefer remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be out hunting late in the late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are not kept in the dark.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats inside and out. This is a big worry for some pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their territory, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for your cat is the only one to get in and out.
A microchip cat flap could provide security when you are not home for instance, when you are going out for dinner or on holiday. It connects to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you can set. The app can be shared with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by the ability to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by opening the flap to let them see and smell the world around them. By distributing a favorite toy or a treat on either side of the flap and give your cat praise and a reward each time it puts its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market. They all have different features. You should choose one that is the proper size for your pet's needs so it can be able to enter and out without difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually with a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements within the home even if you're not there. Some models are equipped with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window by through an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat might wander off from home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely open the cat flap and check on your pet's status through the app.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system, which offers more options to control who can access the door and when. This is especially useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or it is raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip and only let it in only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen inside the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain plants such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to go through it even in case they are in a shaky state.
It's simple to teach your cat how to utilize the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through with their preferred food. It's not easy to get them through the first time, but once they do begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant access to your home. These are a great choice for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models have different locking options which allow you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. They can be helpful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and comes back especially late at night and you're not at home. They may also be useful if you're away from home for extended periods of time and need to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This lets you control the access and exit of your cat with ease. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and provide more security. Some of these smart cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it may take some time to get them used to the idea of going out on their own. Based on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Others may require being gently encouraged and need time to learn to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Observing them from the outside and inside can help you determine the best methods to train them however, be aware that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them 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. Your cat should be called through the flap while maintaining an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to utilize the flap since they will see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other end.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If our website are unsure if your cat will be capable of surviving 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 toys. This allows you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require, but also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situations around the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.