Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their pets out and only to change their minds and come to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap solves this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are a number of advantages to having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out at any time they wish. They can stay inside at night if they wish, which will reduce their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that may be out hunting during the late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are out at night.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats out and in - this is a major issue for some pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one to get in and out.
A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind when you are not home, such as when you are out for the evening or going on holiday. It connects to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of the house and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and in via an intelligent curfew that you set. You can also share your app access with friends and family to ensure that they monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by the ability to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. 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. Start by leaving the flap open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap you can give your cat praise and a reward each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market. They all have various features. It is important to select one that is the proper size for your pet, so that it can enter and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pets movements around the house even when you are away from home. Certain models come with smart here technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window through an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat could wander away from home, or you're worried about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you greater control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially helpful for cats that are old or aggressive and could have difficulty using a traditional flap. This option can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats are also attracted to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be fitted to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their favorite food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time, but once they do start, they should continue to follow the habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and lets it to be inserted. These are more expensive, however, they function by using magnets on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and website keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models provide various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed and exit only or entry only. These can be useful if you want to control your cat's movements when they go out and come in, especially if it's late at night and you're not home. They are also useful when you are away from your home for extended periods of time and need to ensure that your cat stays safe inside.
You can also select an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This allows you to control the entrance and exit of your cat easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pet. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new experience very quickly. Others may require website being gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Examining your cat from the inside and the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. Remember that every cat is different.
Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, you should try upvc door panels cat flap to encourage them with treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the cat flap, while speaking in an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other end.
When your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as neighbouring cats.
If you are unsure if your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave click here the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. This allows you to ensure that they get all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situations in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to return home whenever they'd like to.