Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and come to return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats and deny others access. The flap can provide a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they please. If they choose to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be out hunting late in the late at night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may catch if they are not kept in the dark.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats out and in - this is a major concern for some pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
It also gives you peace of mind when you're away from home, such as when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It connects to a hub and 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 in via the smart curfew feature you set. You can also share your app access with family and friends so that they can monitor your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of security to your cat's security by only allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is important to spend time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of flap you can give your cat praise and a reward each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to access the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to track the movement of your pets through the window or door via an app on your smartphone.
This is useful here when you're worried that your cat could wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can check the status of your pet using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they get into any trouble.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit more aggressive or if they are older and be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or it is raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of plants like cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to go through it even in case they are hesitant.
It's easy to get more info teach your cat how to use a small hinged flap that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through using their favorite food. It may be difficult to get them through the more info first time, but once they do start, they should continue to follow the habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. These are more expensive however they work by putting a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant it access to your home. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with various locking options. You can set it to open or closed with an exit only, or only for entrance. These are great for those who need to regulate the time your cat comes and goes, especially at night or when you're away. They are also useful if you're away from your home for long periods of time and want to ensure your cat remains in a here safe place.
You can also opt for a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, that means you can control your cat's access and exit with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these here smart flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of being outside on their own. Based on their individual nature, some are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap using their paws or head. Examining your cat from the inside and outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. But remember that every cat is different.
Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, try and encourage them by using treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to utilize the flap since 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 environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're not sure if your cat is able to handle the outdoors it is possible to keep them inside at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This lets you ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation they require. It also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situation in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be secure knowing that they are able to come back home if they wish to.