Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being awakened up in the late at night to let their cats out, only for them to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats and deny others access. A cat flap offers number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to come and go whenever they want. They can stay inside at night if they want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be out hunting in the night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are left outside at night.
Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their house as a territory, eat their food, or get into fights with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only cat to get in and out.
A microchip cat flap can even provide peace of mind when you are not home, such as when you are out for the evening or out on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can also share your app access with friends and family so that they can monitor your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is important that you spend time teaching your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it - start by leaving the flap open to let them see and sniff around. Holding out a favourite toy or food item from either side of the flap you can praise and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. When they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available with a variety of features. You should select one that is the right size for your pet's needs so it can be able to enter and out without difficulty. You should also look for a durable product that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain.
Some cat flaps are lockable in different ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not present. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to track the movements of your pets from the door or window using an app on your phone.
This is beneficial if you are concerned that your cat could wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can check the status of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who can enter and leave. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat who might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Access to the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that take place in the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the scent of plants such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to use it even when they are still uneasy.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be attached to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it by offering their favourite food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time but once you've done it, it should become a habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They are more expensive, however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap, granting access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and stop stray cats from entering your property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options that allow you to choose to lock it open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. These are great if you need to control the time your cat is in and out particularly at night or when you're not home. They are useful when you're away from home for an extended time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also choose an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This lets you manage the entry and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater security and are more secure for your pet. cat flap fitters near me repairmywindowsanddoors of these cat flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what methods of training to use. But remember that every cat is different.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by offering them treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions more enjoyable on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to utilize the flap since they will realize that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other side.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, like neighboring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat is able to handle the outdoors, you could always put them in a cage at night or leave the flap open 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 needs, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that could occur in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home if they choose to.