Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of waking in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out but only to change their mind and want to return later. A cat flap solves this issue.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are many benefits to having a cat flap that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to move around whenever they please. They can stay in the dark if they prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will keep them from getting sick.
Cats are able to enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as their territory and eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also provide peace of mind if you're away from home, for example when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It's connected to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends to ensure that they monitor your pets 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 safety by allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. Then praise and reward them every time they do so. Once they're comfortable using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market. They all have different features. It's important to choose the right cat flap for the size of your pet to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. You should also look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps are lockable 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 that permit only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to monitor your pet's movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the window or door via an app on your phone.
This is helpful if you are concerned that your cat may wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely lock the cat flap and monitor your pet's condition using the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is particularly useful if your cat is aggressive or older and may be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or it is raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip, and let it in if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats out of your home.
cat flap installer near me can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of certain plants such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them through it if they remain in a shaky state.
It's simple to teach your cat to make use of a small hinged flap that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through with their preferred food. It may be difficult to get your cat through the first time but once you've done it, you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive however, they function by using the magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models offer different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close, exit only, or only for entrance. These are useful for those who need to regulate when your cat is in and out particularly at night, or if you're not home. They may also be useful in situations where you're away from home for a long period of time and you need to ensure that your cat is in a safe place.
You can also select a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This allows you to control the entry and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're safer for your pets and provide more peace of mind. Some of these smart flaps include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Based on their individual nature, some cats are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may require being gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn how to open the flap using a paw or head. Observing them from the inside and outside can help you work out the best methods to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are different.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, attempt to encourage them using treats. The flap should be opened just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat starts to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, including neighboring cats.
If you are unsure whether your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situation in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be secure knowing that they will be able to come back home if they want to.