Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night to let their pets out but only to change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats and block access to other. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to come and go whenever they please. If they want to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be out hunting late in the late at night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if out at night.
Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors cats to annoy their pets, mark their home as territory or eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for your cat is the only one to get in and out.
A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind when you're away for instance, when you go away for the evening or out on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. You can also share the app access with family and friends so that they can monitor your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide an additional layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not familiar with it. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can view and sniff the outside world. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap you can praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. When they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer different features. It's important to choose one that is suitable for the dimensions of your pet so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. You should also look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to access the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movements in the house even when you're not present. Some models have smart technology that enables you to track your pet's' movements as they walk through the window or door through an app on your phone.
This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat could wander away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely open the flap for your cat and check your pet's status through the app.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can access and exit the door. This is especially helpful if your cat is more aggressive or if they are older and be unable to use a traditional flap. cat flap glass door installation near me can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also help reduce the number of accidents that happen in the home. A lot of 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 on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's easy to teach your cat to make use of a small hinged flap that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It can be difficult to make them go through it the first time but once they do, they should take up the habit.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap, which recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. These are more expensive but they function by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting it access to your home. These are a great choice for multi-cat households to prevent stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options that allow you to make it open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. They are helpful for those who need to regulate the frequency at which your cat goes and comes particularly at night or when you're away. They are useful if you are away from home for an extended time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also choose an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled via an app. This allows you to manage the access and exit of your cat easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere connected to the Internet.
Training
It can take time for a cat to become comfortable with going outside by itself if they have never used a flap before. Based on their individual nature, some are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to master how to push the flap open using a paw or head. Watching them from the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods to use to train them but be aware that all cats are unique.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead attempt to encourage them using treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it takes them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introduction to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and make sure they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outdoors, you could always keep them inside at night or just leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it requires and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to return home if they'd like to.