Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cat out but only to change their minds and come to return within minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats and deny others access. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out as they please. If they choose to, they can stay in at night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be hunting in the late at night. These animals could carry deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if left outside at night.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats out and in - this is a major issue for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their home as their own, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for your cat is the only one to be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you are going out for dinner or going on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements within and outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can also share access to the app with friends and family so that they can monitor your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by the ability to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap. You can give them praise and rewards each when they do this. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available with a variety of features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the size of your pet to allow them to move in and out without any difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually with a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, which makes them perfect for homes with several cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models have intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window through an app on your phone.
This is a great option when you're worried that your cat may wander too far from home or are concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet's health using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they are in trouble.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more options to control who can access the door and when. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit more aggressive or if they are older and be unable to use an ordinary flap. This method can be used to deter your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. cat flap installation near me are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also decrease the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also drawn by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be fitted to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them through it by using their favourite food. It may be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap, which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it in. They're more expensive however, they function by using the magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. This is useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and comes back especially late at night or when you're not home. They are useful if you are away from home for a long time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit easily. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, but they offer greater security and are more secure for your pets. Some of these smart flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it may take some time to get them used to the idea of being out on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new situation very quickly. Others may require being gentle and encouragable, and will need time to master how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. But remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, it's better to attempt to encourage them offering them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Call your cat through the flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat starts to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outdoor world, you could always lock them in 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, but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.