Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats and then to change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can help solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and restrict access to all other cats. There are a number of benefits to having a cat flap that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to come and go whenever they want. They can stay inside at night if they wish, which will reduce their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that might be hunting in the late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat might contract if left outside at night.
Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their homes as their territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for your cat is the only one to get in and out.
A microchip cat flap may even give you peace of mind even when you're not home, such as when you are out for the evening or on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movement in and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. It is possible to share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an extra layer of security to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is essential to spend time training your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it - start by leaving the flap open so that they can see and smell the world around them. Holding out a favourite 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 using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available, with many offering different features. You should select one that is the proper size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out without difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric 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 using a peg that fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to track the movement of your pets through the door or window by using an app on your phone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat could wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely lock the flap for your cat and check your pet's status through the app.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in only if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
It's easy to teach your cat 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 go through by using their favorite food. It can be difficult to make your cat go through the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. cat flap install are more expensive, however they work by putting the magnet around your pet's neck to open the flap. They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and stop stray cats from entering your home.
Other models have different locking options, allowing you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entrance only. They can be helpful if you want to control when your cat goes out and returns particularly late at night and you're not home. These can be useful if you are away from home for an extended 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 lets you manage the entry and exit of your cat easily. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're more secure for your pet and offer more security. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring, and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to get used to being out on their own in the event that they've never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new situation quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. But remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap as they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other end.
When your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Some cats could be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like neighboring cats.
If you're not sure whether your cat is able to cope with the outdoors, you can either lock 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 is getting the exercise and enrichment it needs however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in your home. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to return home if they'd like to.