Many cat owners know the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let their pets out, only to have them change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap could solve this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats and block access to other. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. They can remain in their home at night if prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that might be out hunting in the night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat could catch if they are not kept in the dark.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats inside and out. This is a big worry for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for your cat is the only one to be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap may even provide peace of mind when you are not home like when you go away for the evening or going on holiday. It links to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of your home and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come out and in via an intelligent curfew that you can set. You can 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 collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only the ability to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each when they do this. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market. They all have different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet so that it can enter and out without difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable product that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to track the movement of your pets through the door or window by through an app on your phone.
This is a great option when you're worried that your cat may wander too far from home, or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet's health using the app and remotely open their cat flap in case they are in trouble.
You can also opt for a four way manual locking system which gives you more options to decide who can go in and out. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, keeping other cats out. 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 keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that occur inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be fitted to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them to use it by offering their favorite food. It can 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 utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They're more expensive however they work by putting magnets placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These are a good option for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open, exit only, or entrance only. They are helpful when you want to control the frequency at which your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or when you're away. cat flap fitters near me can also be helpful when you are away from your home for a long period of time and you need to ensure your cat remains in a safe place.
You can also select an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's access and exit easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater security and are safer for your pet. Some of these smart flaps include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Based on their nature, some are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Certain cats need to be gently urged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Examining your cat from the inside and the outside will help you decide which methods of training to use. But remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Prop the flap open just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Then, call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions more enjoyable on both you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will see that it brings them closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and ensure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outdoors it is possible to keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they can always return home should they wish to.
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