Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats access and deny access to others. There are a number of benefits to using a cat flap. These include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. They can be inside at night if they prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that may be out hunting in the night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal for your cat and therefore keeping them inside at night will keep them from catching them.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep out other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind even when you're not home like when you go out for the evening or going on holiday. It connects to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of your home and enables you to control the time they are allowed to come out and back in using a smart curfew feature that you set. You can also share the app access with friends and family so that they can monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is important that you spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it. Start by opening the flap so that they can see and smell the world around them. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each time they do it. Once they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market. Many of them offer different features. You should select one that is the appropriate size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in different ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. cat flap fitting near me can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models come with smart technology that enables you to track your pet's' movements when you walk through the windows or doors through an app on your phone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat might wander off from your home or are worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and check on your pet's condition using the app.
You can also select a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you greater control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, blocking 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 outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to use it even when they are still in a shaky state.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be attached to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It's not easy to get them through the first time, but once they've done it start, they should continue to follow the habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap that detects your pet's microchip and lets it to be inserted. These are more expensive but they function by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant access to your home. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open with an exit only, or only for entrance. They can be helpful if you want to control your cat's movements when they go out and come in, especially if it's late at night or you're not home. They can also be helpful when you are away from your home for long periods of time and want to ensure your cat remains in a safe place.
You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This allows you to control the entrance and exit of your cat with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're more secure for your pet and provide more peace of mind. Some of these smart flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to get used to being outdoors on its own, especially if they have never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide which training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, it's better to try and encourage them by offering them treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions easier for both of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it brings them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're not sure whether your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can either lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it needs and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that may arise in your home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home if they choose to.