Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of waking in the middle of the 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 problem.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are many advantages of having a cat flap that are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out at any time they wish. They can stay in their home at night if want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be out hunting during the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will keep 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 get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only one who can get in and out.
It also gives you peace of mind if you're away from home, for example when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can also share the app access with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or treat from either side of flap, encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. You should choose one that is the appropriate size for your pet, so that it can be opened and exit easily. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in various ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to programme, making them ideal for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to monitor your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not there. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the window or door using an app on your phone.
This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat may wander too far from home or you're worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can check the check here status of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap if they get into any trouble.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system which gives you more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is particularly useful if your cat is old or aggressive and could struggle with an ordinary flap. This method can be used to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, keeping other cats out. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the number of accidents that take place in the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of plants like cat thyme or catnip (catmint) click here and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to more info entice them to use it even in case they are hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat how to make use of small hinged flaps that can be attached to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It can be difficult to get them through the first time, but when they've mastered it start, they should continue to follow the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, but they work by using a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models provide various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close with an exit only, or entry only. These are great if you need to control the time your cat goes and comes particularly at night or when you're away. They are useful in situations where you're away from home for an extended time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also select an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This allows you to control the access and exit of your cat easily. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much more secure for your pet and offer more security. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment very quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to learn how to open the flap with a paw or head. Observing them from the outside and inside will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them, but keep in mind that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap slightly (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side, then call them through the flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to utilize the flap since they will realize that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and ensure that they are safe outdoors as 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 capable of surviving the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night here 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 get all the exercise and stimulation they require, but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the house, for instance get more info when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also have the security of knowing that they are able to return home whenever they'd like to.