Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being awakened 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 issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and deny access to others. There are many advantages of having a cat flap that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to go and come whenever they want. If they choose to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This will reduce the chance of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be hunting at night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are out at night.
Cats are able to enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their house as a territory or eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep out other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can even provide peace of mind when you are not home for instance, when you are away for the evening or on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements within and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can also share your app access with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will add an additional layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is important to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap and praise and reward them every when they do this. When they feel confident then 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 is important to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet so that they can easily move into and out with no difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and stop burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements through the window or door through an app that you can download on your phone.
This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat may wander too far from home or are concerned about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely open the flap for your cat and check your pet's status through the app.
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 particularly useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat who 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.
cat flap installer opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also reduce the number of accidents that happen in the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which 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 favourite food. It can be difficult to make them go through it the first time, but once they've done it start, they should continue to follow the habit.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it in. They're more expensive, but work by using an electronic device 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 come with different locking options, allowing you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entry only. These are great for those who need to regulate when your cat goes and comes particularly at night, or when you're not home. They may also be useful if you're away from your home for long periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat is in a safe place.
You can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This lets you manage 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 more secure for your pets. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to become accustomed to going out on their own even if they've never used a flap before. Based on their personality, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gently encouraged and need time to master how to push the flap open using a paw or head. Examining your cat from the inside and the outside will help you decide which training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, try and encourage them by using treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat starts to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor world and let them enjoy their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, including neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat is able to handle the outdoor world it is possible to lock them in at night or just leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home should they wish to.