Many cat owners know the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let out their cats, only to have them change their mind and want to return later. A cat flap solves this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats in and deny access to others. There are a number of advantages of having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to move around whenever they please. They can remain in the dark if they prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that may be out hunting in the night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat might be exposed to if they are out at night.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats in and out - this is a major concern for some pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only cat to get in and out.
A microchip cat flap can provide security when you're away for instance, when you go going out for dinner or going on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to control when you 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 while you are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. 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 open to let them see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each when they do this. When they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. You should choose one that is the proper size for your pet so it can be able to enter and out easily. You should also look for a durable product that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to enter and exit the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to program, making them ideal for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements within the home even if you're not there. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to track the movements of read more your pets from the door or window via an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat could wander too far from home or are worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely click here lock the flap on your cat's door and monitor your pet's condition using the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that offers more options to decide who can go in and out. This is especially useful if your cat is old or aggressive and could be unable to use an ordinary flap. This option can be used to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a 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 but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put either the side of the flap in click here case they are still hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be fitted to a door or window it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, the practice website will become habitual.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap that detects your pet's microchip and allows it in. They are more expensive, but they work by using magnets around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These can be a good solution for multi-cat households and keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models come with different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open, exit only, or only for entrance. These are useful if you need to control the frequency at which your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or if you're not home. They may also be useful if you're away from home for extended periods of time and want to ensure that your cat stays 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 lets you manage the entry and exit of your cat in a matter of read more minutes. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more security and are more secure for your pets. Some of these smart cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it could take a while to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Depending on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or heads. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, it's better to try and encourage them by giving them treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions easier for both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it brings them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can begin introduction to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals like cats in the area.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoor world, you could always put them in a cage at night, or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations 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 if they want to.