Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out, only to have them change their minds and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap could solve this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out as they please. They can be in the dark if they wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that may be out hunting during the late at night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if not kept in the dark.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats in and out - this is a big worry for pet owners who don't 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 keep other cats out by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also provide peace of mind when you are away from home, for example when you are on vacation or go out at night. It connects to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of your home and enables you to control when they are allowed out and back in using a smart curfew feature that you set. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide additional security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap, particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by leaving the flap open to let them see and sniff around. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. Then give them praise and rewards each time they do it. Once they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps on the market. They all have various features. You should choose one that is the right size for your pet, so that it can enter and out without difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable 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 you can 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 multiple cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to monitor your pet's movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the door or window by using an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's health via the app.
You can also select a four way manual locking system which gives you more options to decide who can go in and out. This is particularly useful if your cat is more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with the traditional flap. This option can be used to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors out of your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also decrease the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's simple to teach your cat how to make use of 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 walk through by using their favorite food. It may be difficult to teach your cat the first time however once you've mastered it, you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and stop stray cats from entering your home.
Other models provide various locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open and exit only or entry only. These are useful if you need to control the frequency at which your cat goes and comes, especially at night or when you're away. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from home for a long period of time and want to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's access and exit with ease. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much more secure for your pet and provide more security. Some of these smart cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to get comfortable with going out on their own in the event that they've not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new environment very quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to learn to push the flap open using a paw or head. Examining your cat from the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, try and encourage them by using treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it takes them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start introduction to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and make sure they are secure outdoors, as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outdoor world, you could always keep them inside at night or just leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. cat flap fitters can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it requires and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They will also have the security of knowing that they will be able to return home if they'd like to.