Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being awakened up in the late at night to let their pets out and only to change their minds and decide to go to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap has a number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to move around whenever they like. If they want to remain inside, they can do so at night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that could be fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will keep them from catching them.
Cats can enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their house as a territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.
A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind when you are not home for instance, when you go out for the evening or out on holiday. It links to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of your home and enables you to control when they are allowed out and in via a smart curfew feature that you set. You can share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so that they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or a treat from either side of the flap and praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. It is important to select a cat flap that suits the dimensions of your pet to allow them to move between the two without difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws claws and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and stop burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, making them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movement in the house even when you're not there. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to track the movements of your pets through the door or window using an app on your smartphone.
This is helpful in the event that you are worried that your cat could wander off from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and check on your pet's condition using the app.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can access and exit the door. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow entry when the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great way to keep your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also help reduce the amount of accidents that happen in the home. Many cats are also drawn by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. These can be placed either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's simple to teach your cat how to utilize the small hinged flap that can be affixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to go through using 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 could also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. These are more expensive but they function by using an electronic device attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give access to your home. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent stray animals from entering the property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to open or close with an exit only, or entrance only. They can be helpful for those who want to control when your cat goes out and returns particularly late at night or when you're not at home. They are also useful when you are away from your home for a long period of time and want to ensure that your cat is in a safe place.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This lets you control the entry and exit of your cat easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much more secure for your pet and provide more peace of mind. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.
Repair My Windows And Doors
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it could take a while to get them used to the idea of being out on their own. Based on their individual nature, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or heads. Observing them from the inside and out will help you figure out what methods to use to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are different.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, try 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 cat flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap and notice that it brings them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and take advantage of their newfound freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure whether your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. This will allow you to make sure 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. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they can always come back home if they'd like to.