Many cat owners know the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this issue.

It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats and deny others access. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to move around whenever they like. If they prefer, they can stay in at the night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be out hunting late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are out at night.

Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their home as their territory, eat their food, or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.

It can also give you peace of mind if you're away from home, like when you are on vacation or go out at night. It's connected to an app and hub that track your pet's movements within and outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will regulate when you can 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's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide additional security by allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is recommended to spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or a treat from either side of flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, gradually close it.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps available with a variety of 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. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.

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 using a peg which fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to access and leave the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.

Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not present. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the window or door through an app on your smartphone.

This is helpful in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander off from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely open their cat flap if they get into any trouble.

You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is especially useful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may struggle with an ordinary flap. This can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.

Convenience

Access to the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to use it even if they remain hesitant.

If you have a small hinged panel, which can be attached to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them through it by using their favorite food. It may be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, it should become a habit.

A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. These are more expensive, but they work by using the magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.

Other models offer different locking options. You can set it to open or close with an exit only, or entry only. These are useful if you need to control the frequency at which your cat goes and comes particularly at night, or when you're away. They are also useful in situations where you're away from home for long periods of time and need to ensure that your cat is in a safe place.

continue reading this.. can also choose an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This allows you to control the access and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're more secure for your pet and provide greater security. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection.

Training

It can take some time for a cat to become comfortable with going outside by itself if they have not used a flap before. Based on their personality, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may need to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Observing them from the outside and inside can help you work out what methods you can use to train them, but be aware that every cat is unique.

Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it takes them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.

Once your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Certain cats are susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, such as cats that live nearby.

If you're unsure whether your cat can cope with the outdoors it is possible to keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it needs however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to come back home if they wish to.
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