Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being awakened up in the late at night to let their pets out and only to change their minds and want to return within minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to go and come whenever they like. If they want to, they can stay in at the night. This will decrease the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be out hunting late at late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could be fatal for your cat and so keeping them in at night will keep them from being bitten by them.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats out and in - this is a major issue 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 will keep other cats out by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
It can also provide peace of mind if you are away from home, such as when you go on vacation or go out at night. It connects to a hub and app, which tracks your pet's movements inside and out of your home and enables you to control the time they are allowed to come out and back in using the smart curfew feature you can set. You can also share your app access with family members and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is crucial to 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 sniff around. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. Then praise and reward them every when they do this. Once they're confident with the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot of them come with various features. It is important to select a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and exit easily. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're read more not around. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements as they walk through the window or door using an app on your phone.
This is useful in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and check on your pet's health via the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is particularly useful if your cat is old or aggressive and could struggle with an ordinary flap. This option can be used to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thus keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they work well to keep your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that happen inside the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of plants such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to go through it even in case they are uneasy.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be affixed 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 check here through it by using their favourite food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time but once they do, they should take up the habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap, which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it in. They're more expensive however they work by putting 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 have different locking options which allow you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entry only. These are great for those who need to regulate the time your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or when you're not home. They are useful in situations where you're away from home for a long time and read more want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also opt for a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's entry and exit with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, but they offer greater peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Depending on their personality, some are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Watching them from the inside and outside can help you work out what methods to use to train them, but remember that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them using treats. Open the flap slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions easier for both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it brings them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat begins more info to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure that they are safe outdoors as certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals like neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outdoors it is possible to lock them in at night or just leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they get all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also provides them with a means to escape any more info stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.