Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let their cats out and then to change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap solves this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats to enter and deny access to others. There are many advantages to using a cat flap. These include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to go and come whenever they like. They can stay in their home at night if prefer, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that may be out hunting at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could contract if not kept in the dark.
Cats can enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as a territory and eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only cat to get in and out.
It also gives 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 is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. It is possible to share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by the ability to use it if their collar is within a 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. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of flap and praise and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.
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There are numerous cat flaps available on the market. They all have different features. It is essential to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet, to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in various ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to monitor your pet's movements in the house even when you're not there. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pets' movements as they walk through the windows or doors by using an app on your phone.
This is useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander away from home or are concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they do get into trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system, which offers more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is especially helpful if your cat is aggressive or older and may struggle with an ordinary flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or if 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, thereby keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they work well to keep the cats of your neighbors away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be affixed to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their favorite food. It can be difficult to get them through the first time but when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. These are more expensive but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give access to your home. These can be a good solution for multi-cat households and stop stray cats from entering your home.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to open or closed, exit only, or entry only. They are helpful if you need to control the frequency at which your cat goes and comes, especially at night or when you're not home. They are useful when you're away from home for a long period of time and want to be sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This allows you to manage the entrance and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being outside on their own. Based on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may require being gently enthused and require time to master how to open the flap with a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the cat flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to utilize the flap since they will see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them roam around the outside and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, like cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure if your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can 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 ensure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it needs, but you can also provide them with 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 are able to return home whenever they wish to.