Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let out their cats and then to change their mind and want to return later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. If they choose to remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be hunting in the late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are not kept in the dark.
Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their home as territory or eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for your cat is the only one who can get in and out.
It can also provide peace of mind if you are away from home, like when you are on vacation or out at night. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is crucial to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not familiar with it. Begin by letting the flap open so that they can see and sniff around. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap and beg them to do so each time they do it. When they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available, with many offering different features. It is essential to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet, so that they can easily move in and out without any difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable product that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to programme, making them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not there. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements through the windows or doors using an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander too far from home or are concerned about their access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can track the location of your pet using the app and remotely open their cat flap if they are in trouble.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you greater control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is especially useful if your cat is more aggressive or if they are older and have difficulty using a traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets from coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, keeping other cats out. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective way to keep your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also decrease the number of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put on either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's easy to teach your cat to make use of small hinged flaps that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to go through using their preferred food. It might be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give access to your home. These are a good option for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. They are helpful if you need to control when your cat is in and out particularly at night, or if you're not home. They can also be helpful when you are away from home for long periods of time and want to ensure that your cat is safe inside.
Repair My Windows And Doors can also choose an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much more secure for your pet and provide more peace of mind. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to become used to being out on their own if they have not used a flap before. Based on their individual nature, some are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Others may require being gently enthused and require time to learn how to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, attempt to encourage them giving them treats. The flap should be opened just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other side.
When your cat starts to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure whether your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they get all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they can always come back home if they wish to.