Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being awakened 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 problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. There are many benefits to having a cat flap that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to go and come whenever they please. They can remain inside at night if they wish, which will reduce their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be out hunting in the late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat could contract if left outside at night.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats in and out - this is a major issue for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their homes as their territory, 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 number and only unlocking for your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.
It can also provide peace of mind if you are away from home, like when you are on vacation or go out at night. It links to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements into and out of your home and allows you to regulate when they can come out and back in using the smart curfew feature you can set. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide a further layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance of it. You should spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not used to using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so that they can observe the outside world and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or treat on either side of the flap, praise and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available with a variety of features. It is important to select a cat-flap that's the appropriate size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out without difficulty. You should also look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and stop burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movement in the house even when you're not around. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to track your pets' movements through the windows or doors through an app on your phone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat may wander off from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can access and exit the door. This is particularly useful for cats that are old or aggressive and could struggle with the traditional flap. This method can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow entry when the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that take place in 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 on either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat how to use small hinged flaps that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to go through with their preferred food. It's not easy to make them go through it the first time but when they've mastered it start, they should continue to follow the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant it access to your home. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open, exit only, or entry only. These can be useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and comes back, especially if it's late at night and you're not home. They are useful if you are away from home for an extended time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated via an app, that means you can control your cat's entry and exit with ease. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of going 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 pushed and taught to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Watching them from the inside and out will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them but keep in mind that all cats are unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Prop the flap open just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side, then call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions more enjoyable on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as 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 have fun in their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on 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 in the area.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoors you can always keep them inside at night or just leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. Repair My Windows And Doors can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it needs, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in your home. They will also be secure knowing that they will be able to return home whenever they'd like to.