Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being awakened 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 solves this problem.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are many benefits to having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to move around whenever they please. They can stay inside at night if they wish, which will reduce their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be hunting in the late at night. These animals could carry deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if left outside at night.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats in and out - this is a major concern for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their homes as their territory, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also give you peace of mind when you're away from home, such as when you are on vacation or go out at night. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. 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 fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by the ability to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is crucial to spend time training 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. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or treat on either side of the flap and encourage and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available with a variety of features. It is important to select the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet so that they can easily move into and out with no difficulty. You should also look for a durable product that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to access the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track your pets' movements through the windows or doors through an app that you can download on your phone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat may wander too far away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely open the cat flap and monitor your pet's condition using the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a more info long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This can also be used to stop your pets from coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip and only let it in only if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that happen in 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 when they are still in a shaky state.
It's simple to teach your cat how to use a small hinged flap that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to walk through by using their favorite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. These are more expensive but they function by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models have different locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. These are great if you need to control when your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or if you're not home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safely indoors.
You can also choose an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This allows you to manage 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 safer for your pets and provide more security. Some of these smart flaps even have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Depending on their personality, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to master how to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Watching them from the inside and outside can help you determine what methods to use to train them but be aware that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will be able to see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other end.
When your cat begins to website play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them roam around the outside and have fun in their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure they here are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as website the neighbouring cats.
If you are unsure whether your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it requires and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They'll also feel secure knowing they more info can always return home if they choose to.