Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cats out and only to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.

It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats in and restrict access to all other cats. There are a number of advantages of having a flap for your cat that are:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out as they please. If they want to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This reduces the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be hunting in the night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are out at night.

Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats in and out - this is a major issue for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep out other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.

A microchip cat flap may provide security when you are not home like when you go away for the evening or going on holiday. It links to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the home and lets you control the time they are allowed to come in and out via a smart curfew feature that you set. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.

A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a certain distance from it. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open to let them see the outside world and smell it. Holding out Look At This or a treat from either side of flap you can praise and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. When they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps available with a variety of features. It is essential to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet, so that they can move between the two without difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.

Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple cats.

Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements in the house even when you're not around. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to track the movement of your pets through the window or door using an app on your phone.

This is a great option when you're worried that your cat may wander too far from home or are worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely open their cat flap in case they are in trouble.

You can also select the four-way manual locking system that offers more options to decide 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 option can also be used to stop your pets from coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip, and allow it to enter only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your home.

Convenience

Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that occur in the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. These can be placed on either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.

It's easy to teach your cat to make use of the small hinged flap that can be affixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to walk through with their favorite food. It may be difficult to make them go through it the first time, but once they do, they should take up the habit.

A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, however, they function by using a magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property.

Other models offer different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed, exit only, or only for entrance. These are great for those who need to regulate the time your cat is in and out particularly at night, or when you're not home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from home for long periods of time and need to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.

You can also opt for a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated by an app that means you can control your cat's entry and exit easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these smart flaps even come with video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere connected to the internet.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new environment very quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to learn how to open the flap with a paw or head. Examining your cat from the inside and outside will help you decide which methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat is different.

Instead of yelling your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the flap while using a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn how to utilize the flap since they will realize that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other side.

When your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.

If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outdoor world it is possible to put them in a cage at night or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it needs however, you should also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home if they want to.
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