Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of getting up in the middle night to let their pets out, only to have them change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats and block access to other. The flap can provide a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out whenever they want. If they want to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will stop them from being bitten by them.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats in and out - this is a big worry for some pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as their territory, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could provide security when you are not home for instance, when you go away for the evening or going on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements within and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. You can share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or 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 a certain distance. You should spend some 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 to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of the flap you can give your cat praise and a reward each time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. It is important to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet, to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to track your pet's' movements through the windows or doors using an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat could wander away from home, get more info or you're worried about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely open their cat flap should they get into any trouble.
You can also select a four way manual locking system, which offers more options to decide click here who can enter and exit the room. This is especially helpful if your cat is old or aggressive and could struggle with an ordinary flap. This option can also be used to stop your pets coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow entry only if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to use it even when they are still uneasy.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be attached to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time, but once you do the practice will become habitual.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, which recognises your pet's microchip and allows click here it to enter. They're more expensive, but they function by using an electronic device attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant it access to your home. These are a great choice for multi-cat households to prevent unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options which allow you to make it open or closed, and even exit or entry only. These are great for those who need to regulate when your cat goes and comes particularly at night, or if you're not home. They are useful if you are away from home for a prolonged period of time and want to be sure your cat is safe.
You can also select a smart cat flap get more info that connects to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's entry and exit 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 pet. Some of these flaps even have video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to get used to being outside by itself if they have never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will need to be gently encouraged and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or heads. Watching them from the inside and out will help you figure out what methods to use to train them, but remember that all cats are different.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by offering them treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to more info learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start introduction to the outdoors and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats in the area.
If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outdoors you can always keep them inside at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home should they wish to.