Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cats out, only for them to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap could solve this issue.

It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. There are a variety of advantages to having a cat flap that include:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out whenever they want. They can stay in the dark if they prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral 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.

Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.

A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind when you're away, such as when you are away for the evening or out on holiday. It links to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the house and enables you to control when they can come out and in via a smart curfew feature that you set. You can also share the app access with family and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets while you're away.

A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it if their collar is within certain distance. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can observe the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of flap, praise and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. When they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.

Safety

There are many cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. It's important to choose the right cat flap for the size of your pet so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.

Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movement inside the house, even if you're not there. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to track your pets' movements as they walk through the window or door through an app that you can download on your phone.

This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander away from home or are worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can track the location of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they are in trouble.

You can also select a four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who can enter and leave. This is especially useful for those with an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or it's raining outside.

Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip and only let it in when the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your house.

Convenience

Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that occur in the home. cat flap insulation RepairMyWindowsAndDoors are also drawn by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.

It's easy to teach your cat how to make use of small hinged flaps that can be affixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to walk through using their favorite food. It can be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do you will be able to make it a habit.

Another alternative is to opt for magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to open the flap and give it access to your home. These are a good option for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.

Other models have different locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open shut, closed, exit only or entry 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 when you're not at 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 choose a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This lets you manage the access and exit of your cat with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more security and are more secure for your pet. Some of these flaps even include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Training

It can take some time for a cat's body to become comfortable with going out on their own if they have never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new situation very quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or head. Examining your cat from the inside and outside will help you decide on the best methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat is different.

Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to attempt to encourage them offering them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it leads them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.

When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoors and let them explore their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and make sure they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals such as cats in the area.

If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outside world, you could always keep them inside at night or just leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may occur in the home. They'll also feel secure knowing they can always return home if they want to.
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