Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of getting up 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 a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and deny access to others. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out whenever they want. They can be inside at night if they want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be out hunting at late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that could be fatal to your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will keep them from being bitten by them.
Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want their neighbors cat to bother their pets, mark their house as territory, eat their food, or get into fights with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for your cat is the only one to get in and out.
A microchip cat flap can provide security when you are not home for instance, when you go out for the evening or on holiday. It links to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of the home and enables you to control when they are allowed out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you can set. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key can provide a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open to let them observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap and beg them to do so each time they do it. Once they are confident using the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet, so that it can be opened and exit easily. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in different ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to access and leave the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to programme, making them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements in the house even when you're not present. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window 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 if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and check your pet's condition using the app.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is particularly useful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This can be used to deter your pets coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow it to enter when the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than other website cat flaps but they're a good way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access get more info to the outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme click here or catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it if they remain hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be fitted to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them to use it by offering their favorite food. It may be difficult to master the process the first time but when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap that recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. They are more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant it access to your home. These are a good option for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other website models provide different locking options. You can set it to open or close, exit only, or only for entrance. They are helpful for those who need to regulate the time your cat goes and comes, especially at night or when you're away. They can also be helpful if you're away from your home for long periods of time and want to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.
You can also choose a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated by an app that means you can control your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these smart flaps even include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
It more info can take some time for a cat's body to become comfortable with going outside by itself if they have not used a flap before. Based on their individual nature, some cats are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will require to be gently urged and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or heads. Observing them from the outside and inside will help you figure out the best methods to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are different.
Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by offering them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the flap while using a calm, positive voice. 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 opposite side of the flap.
When your cat starts to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outdoors, you could always keep them inside at night, or leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it requires however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll be able to return home if they choose to.