Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and come to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. There are a number of advantages to having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out at any time they wish. They can stay inside at night if they want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be out hunting during the late at night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may catch if they are not kept in the dark.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats in and out - this is a major issue for pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.
It also gives you peace of mind when you're away from home, for example when you go on vacation or out at night. It's connected to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. You can also share access to the app with friends and family to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has an infrared or magnetic collar key will add an additional layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is recommended to spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open to let them observe the outside world and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or treat from either side of flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. When they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
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There are numerous cat flaps on the market. A lot of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. You should also look for a durable material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to install, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movement within the home even if you're not present. Some models have smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the window or door through an app on your phone.
This can be useful when you're worried that your cat could wander off from your home or you're worried about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and check your pet's condition using the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly helpful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat who may struggle with a standard flap. This can be used to deter your pets from coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip and only allow it to enter when the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great way to keep your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that take place within the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain herbs such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to use it even in case they are in a shaky state.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be fitted to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them through it by using their favorite food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, it should become a habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it to enter. They're more expensive, however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and give access to your home. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop stray animals from entering the property.
Other models have different locking options that allow you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. These can be useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and come in especially late at night or you're not home. They are also useful if you're away from home for long periods of time and want to ensure that your cat stays safe inside.
You can also choose a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This allows you to control the entrance and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much safer for your pets and offer more security. Some of these smart cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it could take a while to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gently encouraged and need time to learn to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Observing your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. Remember that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, try to encourage them using 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 a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward at the other end.
When your cat starts to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and enjoy their newfound freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are secure outdoors, as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals such as neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outdoors you can always keep them inside at night or just leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it requires, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in the home. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they can always come back home if they wish to.