Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let their cats out but only to change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats and deny others access. There are a variety of benefits to having a flap for your cat that are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out as they please. They can remain in the dark if they want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be hunting in the night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could be fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will stop them from catching them.
Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for some pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their territory, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep out other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can provide security when you're away, such as when you are out for the evening or on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. It is possible to share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only the ability to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is crucial to spend time educating your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by leaving the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then give them praise and rewards each time they do so. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available, with many offering different features. It is important to select one that is the appropriate size for your pet so it can be able to enter and exit easily. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in various ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to monitor your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models have smart technology that enables you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window through an app on your smartphone.
This is useful if you're concerned that your cat could wander off from your home, or you're worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely open their cat flap should they get into any trouble.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is particularly useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to prevent 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 when it is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors out of your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also decrease the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.
If check here you have a small hinged panel that can be fitted to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them through it by using get more info their favourite food. It can be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive but they function by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting it access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they stop stray cats from entering your home.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to open or closed, exit only, or check here only for entrance. These are useful for those who need to regulate the time your cat comes and goes particularly at night or if you're not home. They are useful when you're away from home for a prolonged time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also choose an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's access and exit easily. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're safer for your pets and provide more peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere that has get more info an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside 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 urged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Observing them from the outside and here inside will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them, but remember that all cats are different.
Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap as they will realize that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other end.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them experience their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure that they are safe outdoors as certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outdoor world, you could always lock them in at night or just leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home if they choose to.