Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and decide to go to return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. A cat flap has a number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to move around whenever they want. They can be in the dark if they wish, which will reduce their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that may be out hunting at late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might contract if out at night.
Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their home as their territory or eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap may even give you peace of mind when you're away like when you go going out for dinner or out on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew to regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. You can also share your app access with family and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide additional security by allowing 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're not used to it - start by letting the flap open so that they can see and smell the world around them. Holding out a favourite toy or a treat from either side of the flap you can praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps available on the market. They all have different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and out without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually with a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to install, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not present. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window via an app on your phone.
This is helpful when you're worried that your cat could wander off from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can track the location of your pet using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they are in trouble.
You can also opt for a four way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is especially useful if your cat is more aggressive or if they are older and have difficulty using a traditional flap. cat flap installers can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that occur inside the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it if they remain in a shaky state.
It's simple to teach your cat how to use small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through by using their preferred food. It may be difficult to master the process the first time but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. These are more expensive but they function by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting access to your home. These are a great choice for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options that allow you to make it open or closed, and even exit or entry only. These are useful for those who need to regulate the time your cat goes and comes particularly at night or when you're away. They are also useful when you are away from your home for a long period of time and want to ensure that your cat stays safe inside.
You can also choose a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled via an app. This allows you to control the access and exit of your cat with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater peace of mind and are safer for your pet. Some of these smart flaps even come with video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
It can take time for a cat to get comfortable with going outside by itself even if they've not used a flap before. Depending on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently encouraged and taught to open the flap with their paws or heads. Observing them from the inside and out can help you determine what methods to use to train them however, remember that all cats are different.
Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them with treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Call them through the flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap because they will see the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other end.
When your cat begins to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them explore their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outdoors, you could always put them in a cage at night, or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure 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. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home should they wish to.