Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being awakened up in the late at night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and decide to go to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap solves this problem.
upvc door panel with cat flap works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats and deny others access. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they like. If they prefer, they can stay in at night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be hunting in the late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could contract if left outside at night.
Cats are able to enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as their territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip 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 be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap can provide security when you're away like when you go out for the evening or out on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide additional security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it. Start by leaving the flap open to let them see and sniff around. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item on either side of the flap you can praise and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available with a variety of features. You should choose one that is the proper size for your pet so that it can enter and out easily. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pets movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models come with smart technology that enables you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the window or door using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat may wander away from home or if they have 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 get into any trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who is able to enter and leave. This is especially helpful if your cat is old or aggressive and could struggle with a traditional flap. This can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.
upvc door panel cat flap can help to keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen within the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it in case they are in a shaky state.
It's easy to teach your cat to use the small hinged flap that can be affixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to go through with their favorite food. It may be difficult to get your cat through the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, however, they function by using magnets placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats as they stop stray cats from entering your home.
Other models come with different locking options which allow you to make it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. These are great when you want to control the time your cat comes and goes particularly at night or when you're away. They are also useful if you're away from home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This allows you to control the entry and exit of your cat easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much more secure for your pet and provide greater security. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to become used to being outside by itself if they have not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new environment quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to learn how to open the flap using a paw or head. Examining your cat from the inside and the outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. The flap should be opened just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side, then call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap as they will see that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side.
Once your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outdoors you can always keep them inside at night or just leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situations in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home if they want to.
upvc door panel cat flap