Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out as they please. They can be in their home at night if prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be out hunting at late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.
Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This is a worry for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as their territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also give you peace of mind if you are away from home, such as when you are on vacation or go out at night. It connects to a hub and app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of the house and lets you control the time they are allowed to come out and in via an intelligent curfew that you can set. You can also share the app access with friends and family to ensure that they monitor your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it. Start by opening the flap so that they can see and sniff around. By distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of the flap and give your cat praise and a reward each time it puts its head through. Once they are confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available with a variety of features. You should select a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out easily. You should also look for a durable material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in different ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, which makes them perfect for homes with several cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the window or door using an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat could wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the cat flap and check here your pet's health via the app.
You can also choose a four way manual locking system which gives you more options to control who read more can access the door and when. This is particularly useful if your cat is aggressive or older and may struggle with a traditional flap. This method 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 the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also drawn by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's simple to teach your cat to utilize small hinged flaps that can be affixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through using their favorite food. It can be difficult to teach your cat the first time however once you've mastered it, the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. more info They're more expensive, however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. These are a good option for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed, exit only, or entry only. They can be helpful when you want to regulate your cat's movements when they go out and returns especially late at night or when you're not home. They are also useful in fitting a cat flap situations where you're away from home for extended periods of time here and want to ensure that your cat is in a safe place.
You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This allows you to control the entrance and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're more secure for your pet and provide more security. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to get comfortable with going outdoors on its own, especially if they have not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new experience very quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Observing them from the outside and inside will help you figure out what methods to use to train them but remember that all cats are different.
Instead of yelling at your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Call your cat through the cat flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other end.
When your cat starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals like cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're not sure whether your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. This will allow you to 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 situation in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll always be able to return home should they wish to.