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 issue.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. There are a number of advantages to having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to come and go whenever they want. If they want to remain inside, they can do so at night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that could prove fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will keep them from getting sick.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats inside and out. 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 flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one to get in and out.
It can also provide peace of mind if you are away from home, like when you are on vacation or go out at night. It links to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements inside and out of your home and enables you to control when they can come out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you can set. You can share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of the flap you can praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat flap that suits the dimensions of your pet so that they can move in and out without any difficulty. You should also search for a durable product that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and deter burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the house. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movements around the house even when you are away from home. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window by using an app on your phone.
This is helpful when you're worried that your cat might wander away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is especially useful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may be unable to use an ordinary flap. This option can also be used to prevent your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also decrease the amount of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.
It's easy to teach your cat to use a small hinged flap that can be attached to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to walk through using their favorite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, you will be able to make it a habit.
Another alternative is to opt for magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. These are more expensive, but they work by using magnets placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models have different locking options which allow you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entry only. These are useful when you want to control the time your cat is in and out particularly at night or if you're not home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from home for long periods of time and want to ensure your cat remains safely indoors.
You can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This allows you to manage the entrance and exit of your cat with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more security and are safer for your pet. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Based on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may require being gently encouraged and need time to master how to open the flap with a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what training methods to use. But remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling at your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the cat flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to utilize the flap since they will see that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat starts to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoors and let them experience their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and make sure they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals like neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can keep your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it requires however, you should also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. image source 'll also feel safe knowing that they'll always be able to return home if they want to.