Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and decide to go to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats and block access to other. There are many benefits to using a cat flap. These include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to come and go whenever they please. If they want to stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be hunting in the late at night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may catch if they are left outside at night.
cat flaps www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk flaps also allow other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you go out for the evening or on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. You can also share your app access with family members and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will add an additional layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is crucial to spend time training your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by leaving the flap open so that they can view and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap and praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is important to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable product that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to program, making them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the window or door through an app that you can download on your phone.
This can be useful if you're concerned that your cat could wander away from home or are concerned about their access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely open the flap for your cat and check your pet's health via the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that offers more options to control who can go in and out. This is especially useful for those with an aggressive 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 when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip and only allow entry only if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good way to prevent your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Access to the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be fitted 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 guiding them through it by using their favorite food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time, but once they do, they should take up the habit.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap which recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it in. They are more expensive, but they function by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and grant it access to your home. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options. You can set it to open or closed and exit only or entrance only. They can be helpful when you want to regulate when your cat goes out and comes back, especially if it's late at night and you're not home. These can be useful when you're away from home for a long period of time and want to be sure your cat is safe.
You can also select a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled via an app. This lets you control the entrance and exit of your cat with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more security and are safer for your pet. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring, and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.
Training
It may take a while 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 with their paws or their heads. Watching them from the inside and out can help you determine the best methods to train them, but remember that all cats are unique.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by offering them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the flap while using a calm, positive voice. This will aid your cat in learning to utilize the flap since they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as neighbouring cats.
If you are unsure whether your cat is capable of surviving the outdoors, you can keep your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it requires however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. They will also be secure knowing that they will be able to return home if they want to.