Many cat owners know the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats and then to change their minds and decide to return later. A cat flap solves this problem.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access only to authorized cats and block access to other. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to come and go whenever they like. If they prefer stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This will reduce the chance of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be out hunting late in the late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat could catch if they are out at night.
Cats are able to enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors cats to annoy their pets, mark their house as territory or eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep out other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could provide security when you're away, such as when you are out for the evening or going on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to control when you allow them to enter and leave. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide an additional layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance of it. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. back door with cat flap fitted is especially crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage glass cat flap installation near me to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then beg them to do so each when they do this. Once they are confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market. They all have various features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet so that it can enter and exit easily. You should also look for a durable material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to track the movements of your pets through the window or door via an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat might wander away from home or are worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and check your pet's health via the app.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is particularly helpful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or it is raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip and only allow it to enter only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that occur inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant.
It's easy to teach your cat to use small hinged flaps that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to go through with their preferred food. It may be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, however they work by putting an electronic device attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant access to your home. These are a good option for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models have different locking options that allow you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. This is useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and come in, especially if it's late at night or you're not at home. They may also be useful when you are away from home for extended periods of time and need to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.
You can also select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This lets you manage the entry and exit of your cat with ease. how much to install a cat flap are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pet. Some of these smart cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to get accustomed to going outside by itself in the event that they've not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new environment quickly. Some cats will require to be gently urged and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or head. Watching them from the inside and outside can help you determine what methods you can use to train them however, remember that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, attempt to encourage them giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the flap, while speaking in an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it takes them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outside world you can always keep them inside at night or just leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be secure knowing that they can always come back home if they wish to.
back door with cat flap fitted