Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and decide to return later. A cat flap can help solve this issue.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access only to authorized cats and deny others access. The flap can provide a variety of benefits, such as:
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 risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that may be out hunting during the night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will prevent them from being bitten by them.
Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their homes as territory or eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
It can also give you peace of mind if you're away from home, for example when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It connects to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of the home and enables you to control the time they are allowed to come out and in via the smart curfew feature you can set. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it - start by letting the flap open so that they can view and sniff around. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap. Then give repairmywindowsanddoors praise and rewards each when they do this. When they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer various features. It's important to choose the right cat flap for the size of your pet to allow them to move in and out without any difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to programme, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movement within the home even if you're not around. Some models have intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the windows or doors through an app on your phone.
This is useful if you're concerned that your cat could wander too far from home or you're worried about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely open the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's health via the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially helpful for cats that are aggressive or older and may be unable to use the traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors out of your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also help reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's simple to teach your cat to make use of small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to walk through with their favorite food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time, but once you do you will be able to make it a habit.
Another option is to use magnetic cat flaps, that detects your pet's microchip and lets it to enter. They are more expensive, however they work by putting magnets placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and stop stray cats from entering your property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options that allow you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entry only. They are helpful when you want to control when 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 your home for long periods of time and want to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.
You can also choose an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This lets you control the access and exit of your cat with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much safer for your pets and offer more security. 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 not used a cat flap before, it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide which training methods to employ. Remember that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, try and encourage them by using treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it leads them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, such as cats that live nearby.
If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outdoors it is possible to keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll always be able to return home should they wish to.