Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats, only to have them change their mind and want to return later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access to only authorized cats and block access to other. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to move around whenever they please. They can remain in their home at night if want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats 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.
Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for some pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
It also gives you peace of mind if you're away from home, such as when you are on vacation or out at night. It is linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movement in and outside the house. cat flap step can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to enter and leave. You can also share the app access with family members and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will add additional security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it - start by letting the flap open so that they can see and smell the world around them. By distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of the flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. You should select a cat-flap that is the right size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and out easily. You should also search for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in different ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to access and leave the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models come with smart technology that enables you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the windows or doors through an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat could wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This is a great option to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip and only let it in only if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to go through it even if they remain uneasy.
It's easy to teach your cat how to use the small hinged flap that can be attached to a window or door. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through using their favorite food. It may be difficult to make them go through it the first time, but once they've done it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap which recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it in. These are more expensive but they function by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap, granting it access to your home. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models have different locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entry only. These can be useful when you want to regulate when your cat goes out and come in especially late at night or you're not home. They are useful if you are away from home for an extended time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also choose a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entry and exit with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much more secure for your pet and provide more peace of mind. Some of these smart flaps also include video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat to become used to being outside by itself if they have not used a flap before. Depending on their personality, some are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will require to be gently urged and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Examining your cat from the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. Remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them with 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 flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it takes them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat starts to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats in the area.
If you're unsure whether your cat will be capable of surviving 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. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home if they want to.