Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats, only to have them change their minds and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats and deny others access. There are many advantages to having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out at any time they wish. They can be in the dark if they wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be out hunting at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat might contract if not kept in the dark.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats out and in - this is a big worry for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind when you are not home for instance, when you go going out for dinner or out on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew to control when you allow them to leave and enter. It is possible to share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only allowing them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is essential 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 the outside world. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or treat on either side of the flap you can praise and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. When they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer various features. It's important to choose the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet so that they can move between the two without difficulty. You should also look for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and stop burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to programme, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not there. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the window or door by using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is a great option when you're worried that your cat might wander off from your home or are worried about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely open the flap for your cat and check your pet's condition using the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who can access and exit the door. This is particularly useful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen in the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the scent 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 use it even in case they are hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be affixed to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them through it by using their favourite food. It can be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They are more expensive, but they function by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models have different locking options which allow you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. cat flap fitting near me is useful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in especially late at night or when you're not home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from your home for long periods of time and need to ensure that your cat stays safe inside.
You can also select a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated via an app, that means you can control your cat's entrance and exit easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're safer for your pets and offer more security. Some of these flaps also include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to become used to being outdoors on its own, especially if they have not used a flap before. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or head. Watching them from the outside and inside will help you figure out what methods to use to train them, but be aware that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side, then call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the training sessions more enjoyable for both of you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap because they will realize that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outdoor world, you could always keep them inside at night or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. They'll also feel secure knowing they can always return home if they choose to.