Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle night to let their pets out and then to change their mind and want to return later. A cat flap solves this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats in and restrict access to all other cats. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out at any time they wish. They can stay in their home at night if prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who might be hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from being bitten by them.
Cats are able to enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their home as their territory and eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for your cat is the only one to be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind even when you're not home, such as when you are going out for dinner or out on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to 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 cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is important that you spend time teaching your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it - start by letting the flap open to let them see and smell the world around them. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each time they do so. Once they are confident using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot of them come with different features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet so that it can be opened and exit easily. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not around. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to track your pets' movements through the windows or doors using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat might wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely lock the cat flap and check on your pet's status through the app.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system, which offers more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is particularly useful if your cat is aggressive or older and may struggle with a traditional flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in only if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen within 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 the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be fitted to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them to use it by offering their favorite food. It can be difficult to master the process the first time, but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it in. These are more expensive but they function by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant it access to your home. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats as they keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models come with different locking options. You can set it to open or close and exit only or entrance only. They can be helpful when you want to regulate the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in particularly late at night or you're not home. They can also be helpful if you're away from your home for a long period of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.
You can also choose a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This allows you to control the entrance and exit of your cat easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these flaps even include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat's body to become accustomed to going outdoors on its own, especially in the event that they've never used a flap before. Depending on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or heads. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what methods of training to use. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, you should instead attempt to encourage them offering them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other side.
When your cat starts to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are safe out there. cat flap fitters near me may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outdoors, you could always lock them in at night, or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require, but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll be able to return home should they wish to.