Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cat out and only to change their minds and come to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can help solve this problem.

It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. There are a variety of benefits to having a flap for your cat that are:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to go and come whenever they want. They can be in their home at night if want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be out hunting during the night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might contract if not kept in the dark.

Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can get in and out.

It also gives you peace of mind when you're away from home, like when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to leave and enter. 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 magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by allowing them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap especially if they are not familiar with it. Begin by opening the flap to let them see and smell the world around them. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then give them praise and rewards each when they do this. Once they are confident using the flap, you can gradually close it.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps available, with many offering different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet's needs so it can be able to enter and out easily. You should also search for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to access and leave the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, which makes them perfect for homes with several cats.

Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movement within the home even if you're not present. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to track the movements of your pets from the door or window through an app on your smartphone.

This is useful if you're concerned that your cat might wander off from your home or are worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they are in trouble.

You can also select a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can access and exit the door. This is especially useful when your cat is a bit more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or when it's raining outside.

Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.

Convenience

Access to the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that take place within the home. Many cats are also attracted to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.

It's simple to teach your cat how to make use of a small hinged flap that can be affixed to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through using their preferred food. It may be difficult to make them go through it the first time but once they've done it start, they should continue to follow the habit.

A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They are more expensive, however, they function by using the magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. doors with cat flap are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.

Other models come with a variety of locking options which allow you to make it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. These are great for those who need to regulate the frequency at which your cat comes and goes, especially at night or when you're away. These can be useful if you are away from home for an extended period of time and want to be sure your cat is safe.

You can also select a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can manage your cat's access and exit with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pet. Some of these smart flaps also have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.

Training

It can take some time for a cat's body to become comfortable with going outside by itself in the event that they've not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new experience very quickly. Some cats will need to be gently urged and taught to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Observing them from the inside and outside can help you work out the best methods to train them, but be aware that all cats are unique.

Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it takes them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.

When your cat starts to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and take advantage of their newfound freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as cats that are in the vicinity.

If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoors, you could always put them in a cage at night or leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require. It also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations around the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll be able to return home should they wish to.
doors with cat flap