Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their pets out but only to change their minds and decide to go to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can help solve this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and restrict access to all other cats. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out at any time they wish. They can stay inside at night if they prefer, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be hunting during the night. These animals could carry deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if not kept in the dark.
Cats can get in and out through conventional cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their home as their territory and eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only cat to access the door and exit.
It can also provide peace of mind when you are away from home, for example when you go on vacation or go out at night. It links to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and in via a smart curfew feature that you set. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pets while you're away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an extra layer of security to your cat's security by only the ability to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or food item from either side of flap, encourage and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. When they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. You should select a cat-flap that is the appropriate size for your pet, so that it can enter and exit easily. You should also look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and deter burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, making them ideal for homes with several cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models have smart technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements as they walk through the door or window through an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option when you're worried that your cat could wander away from home or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat flap in case they get into any trouble.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system which gives you more options to decide who can go in and out. This is especially useful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may have difficulty using the traditional flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that occur within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be affixed to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It may be difficult to master the process the first time but once they do begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
Another option is to use magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes your pet's microchip and lets it in. clicking here , they function by using a magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and stop stray cats from entering your home.
Other models offer different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close, exit only, or entry only. These can be useful for those who want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and comes back particularly late at night or when you're not home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a long time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This lets you 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 pets. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of being out on their own. Depending on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to master how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Observing them from the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods to use to train them however, be aware that all cats are different.
Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to see the other side) and then place a treat on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap, noticing 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 can let them out in the open and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outside world you can always lock them in at night, or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. window cat flap can ensure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it requires and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll be able to return home should they wish to.