Many cat owners know the feeling of getting up in the middle night to let their pets out but only to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can help solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats access and deny access to others. A cat flap has a number of advantages, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. If they want to remain inside, they can do so at night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be out hunting late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will keep them from being bitten by them.
Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This is a worry for pet owners who don't want neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their house as territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. cat flap fitters near me will keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only one to get in and out.
A microchip cat flap can even provide peace of mind when you're away, such as when you go out for the evening or going on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide additional security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is crucial to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it. Start by leaving the flap open to let them see and sniff around. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of flap and give your cat praise and a reward every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. You should choose one that is the proper size for your pet so that it can be opened and out easily. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, 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 which fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pet's movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window through an app on your phone.
This is helpful if you are concerned that your cat may wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely lock the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's health via the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly useful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and be unable to use the traditional flap. This is a great option to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they work well to keep your neighbors' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen in the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's simple to teach your cat how to use small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to go through using their preferred food. It may be difficult to get your cat through the first time, but once you do the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They are more expensive, but they work by using magnets around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. These are useful if you need to control when your cat goes and comes, especially at night or when you're not home. They may also be useful when you are away from your home for extended periods of time and need to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.
You can also opt for a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, that means you can control your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much more secure for your pet and offer more peace of mind. Some of these smart flaps even come with video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat's body to become used to being outside by itself in the event that they've never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new situation very quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to learn to push the flap open using a paw or head. Observing them from the inside and out will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them but remember that all cats are different.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, try to encourage them giving them treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to be able 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 calm and positive to help make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it takes them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat begins to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, including neighboring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat is capable of surviving the outdoors, you can keep your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so that 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 and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll be able to return home if they choose to.