Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their cat out but only to change their minds and come to return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats and deny others access. There are many 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 whenever they want. They can stay in their home at night if wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that might be hunting in the late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat might contract if not kept in the dark.
Cats can get in and out through conventional cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their house as their territory and eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also give you peace of mind when you are away from home, for example when you go on vacation or out at night. It links to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the house and lets you control when they can come out and back in using a smart curfew feature that you can set. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends to ensure that they monitor your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key can provide additional security by only allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is important to spend 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 that they can observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each time they do it. When they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet to allow them to move between the two without difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable material that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with several cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window using an app on your phone.
This is helpful in the event that you are worried that your cat may wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely unlock the cat flap and check your pet's condition using the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets 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 it is registered, keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of plants such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even when they are still in a shaky state.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be affixed to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They're more expensive, however they work by putting a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options that allow you to make it open, closed, exit only or entry only. These are useful when you want to control the frequency at which your cat is in and out particularly at night or when you're away. They can be helpful if you are away from home for an extended time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
cat flap glass door installation near me can also choose a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, that means you can control your cat's entry and exit with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater peace of mind and are safer for your pet. Some of these smart flaps even include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will need to be gently urged and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. Remember that every cat is different.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, attempt to encourage them using treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the flap, while speaking in an ebullient, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it leads them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them explore their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as 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 if your cat can cope with the outside world it is possible to put them in a cage at night or leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also have the security of knowing that they can always return home if they wish to.