Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let their pets out but only to change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can help solve this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats and deny others access. There are a variety of advantages of having a flap for your cat that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to move around whenever they please. If they want to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This reduces the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be out hunting late in the night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from being bitten by them.
Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their home as a territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for your cat is the only one to access the door and exit.
It can also provide peace of mind if you're away from home, for example when you go on vacation or go out at night. glass cat flap installation near me RepairMyWindowsAndDoors 's linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movement in and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can share the app with 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 will provide an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance of it. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open to let them see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap. You can praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they are confident using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot of them come with different features. It is important to select one that is the right size for your pet, so that it can be opened and out without difficulty. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in various ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to access and leave the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to programme, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movement in the house even when you're not present. Some models have intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements through the window or door using an app on your phone.
This is a great option when you're worried that your cat might wander off from your home, or you're concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they do get into trouble.
You can also select a four way manual locking system which gives you more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is especially helpful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with an ordinary flap. This can be used to deter your pets coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also drawn by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be affixed to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them to use it by offering their favorite food. It may be difficult to make them go through it the first time, but once they do start, they should continue to follow the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They are more expensive, however, they function by using a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models come with a variety of locking options that allow you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. They can be helpful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and returns especially late at night and you're not home. They can be helpful in situations where you're away from home for a prolonged time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also choose a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere that has 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 out on their own. Depending on their personality, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gently encouraged and need time to master how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside can help you decide what training methods to use. But remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, attempt to encourage them using treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side, then call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable on both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoor environment and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats in the area.
If you're unsure whether your cat can cope with the outdoor world, you could always keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This lets you ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation 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'll also have the security of knowing that they will be able to return home if they'd like to.