Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their cats out, only for them to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap solves this issue.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. A cat flap has a number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to move around whenever they want. If they want to, they can stay in at night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be out hunting late in the late at night. These animals could carry deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if not kept in the dark.
Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their home as their territory, eat their food, or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you go going out for dinner or on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements within and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will add additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not familiar with it. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. By distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of the flap you can encourage and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. It is important to select one that is the appropriate size for your pet, so that it can be opened and exit easily. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in various ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window by using an app on your phone.
This is useful if you're concerned that your cat might wander off from your home or are worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely open the flap on your cat's door and check your pet's condition using the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip, and let it in only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. cat flap in upvc door panel are more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that take place within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of plants like cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them through it in case they are uneasy.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be affixed to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their favourite food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time, but when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it in. These are more expensive, however, they function by using a magnet around your pet's neck to open the flap. They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open and exit only or entrance only. This is useful when you want to regulate your cat's movements when they go out and come in, especially if it's late at night and you're not at home. They are useful if you are away from home for a prolonged time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also select an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This allows you to control the entry and exit of your cat with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater security and are more secure for your pet. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet.
Training
It can take time for a cat to get used to being out on their own even if they've not used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently urged and taught to open the flap using their paws or head. Observing them from the inside and out can help you work out what methods you can use to train them but keep in mind that all cats are unique.
Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, it's better to try and encourage them by using treats. Place a treat on the opposite 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 speaking in an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to utilize the flap since they will see that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other side.
When your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and have fun in 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 cats in the area.
If you're not sure whether your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can either lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it needs, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they can always return home should they wish to.