Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let out their cats, only to have them change their minds and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats in and restrict access to all other cats. There are many benefits to having a cat flap that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to come and go whenever they like. They can be in the dark if they prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that may be out hunting in the night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could be fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will prevent them from getting sick.
Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This is a worry for pet owners who don't want their neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their homes as a territory or eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
It also gives you peace of mind when you are away from home, for example when you are on vacation or out at night. It is 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 regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. You can share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add additional security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of the flap and praise and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market. They all have various features. You should select a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet's needs so it can be able to enter and out without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. cat flap fitting can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to monitor your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movement of your pets through the window or door using an app on your smartphone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat could wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can monitor the health of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they do get into trouble.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with an ordinary flap. This option can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip, and allow entry only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also decrease the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat how to make use of small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to walk through using their favorite food. It can be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, it should become a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive, however they work by putting a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant it access to your home. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop stray animals from entering the property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open and exit only or only for entrance. This is useful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and returns particularly late at night or when you're not home. They can be helpful in situations where you're away from home for an extended time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's access and exit easily. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more security and are more secure for your pet. Some of these smart cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat's body to become accustomed to going outdoors on its own, especially in the event that they've not used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment very quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or heads. Examining them from both the inside and out can help you determine what methods to use to train them however, keep in mind that all cats are different.
Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them with treats. The flap should be opened just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Then, call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it leads them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat is beginning to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introduction to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outside world, you could always keep them inside at night or just leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situation in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home if they want to.