Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cats out and only to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are a number of advantages of having a cat flap that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to go and come whenever they like. They can be inside at night if they wish, which will reduce their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that might be out hunting in the 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 can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors cat to bother their pets, mark their house as their territory or eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind when you're away for instance, when you go going out for dinner or out on holiday. It links to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of the home and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you can set. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide an additional layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat on either side of the flap you can praise and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot of them come with various features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the dimensions of your pet so that they can easily move in and out without any difficulty. You should also search for a durable product 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 prevent burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movement inside the house, even if you're not around. Some models have smart technology that allows you to track your pets' movements through the window or door using an app that you can download on your phone.
This can be useful when you're worried that your cat might wander too far from home or you're concerned about their access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat flap if they get into any trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can access and exit the door. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can also be used to prevent your pets coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow it to enter when the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they work well to keep your neighbours' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps to reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant.
It's easy to teach your cat how to use small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through by using their preferred food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time, but once you do the practice will become habitual.
Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes your pet's microchip and lets it to enter. These are more expensive, however they work by putting magnets around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great choice for multi-cat households to prevent unwanted animals from entering your property.
cat flap installers come with different locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. These are great when you want to control the time your cat is in and out particularly at night or if you're not home. These can be useful in situations where you're away from home for an extended time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated by an app which means you can control your cat's access and exit without difficulty. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, but they offer greater security and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Based on their personality, some are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to learn to open the flap with a paw or head. Watching them from the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them, but be aware that all cats are unique.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by offering them 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. Call your cat through the flap while maintaining a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it takes them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them roam around the outside and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather or other animals, including cats that live nearby.
If you're not sure if your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. They'll also be secure knowing that they are able to return home whenever they want to.