Many cat owners will recognise 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 to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap could solve this problem.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats and deny others access. There are a number of benefits to having a flap for your cat that are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out as they please. If they choose to remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be out hunting late in the late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat might contract if out at night.
Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their home as their territory and eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. cat flap fitters near me will protect your cat from other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could provide security when you're away like when you are away for the evening or going on holiday. It connects to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the house and lets you control when they are allowed in and out via the smart curfew feature you can set. You can share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by the ability to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap and give your cat praise and a reward each time it puts its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, 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 to allow them to move between the two without difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using the peg that fits inside 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 simple to install, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movement inside the house, even if you're not around. cat flap in upvc door panel are equipped with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movement of your pets through the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This is useful in case you're worried that your cat may wander away from home or you're concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they are in trouble.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can access and exit the door. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat who may struggle with a standard flap. This option can be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or it is raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Access to the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It also helps to reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs 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 unsure.
It's easy to teach your cat how to make use of a 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 by using their preferred food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, it should become a habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap that recognizes your pet's microchip and lets it in. They are more expensive, but they function by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models provide various locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open, exit only, or only for entrance. This is useful for those who want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and returns particularly late at night or you're not at home. They are useful when you're 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 controlled by an app. This lets you control the entrance and exit of your cat with ease. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these smart flaps also include video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it could 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 quickly. Others may need to be gently enthused and require time to learn how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what methods of training to use. But remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will realize the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other end.
When your cat starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and take advantage of their newfound freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats in the area.
If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outside world, you could always lock them in at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require, but it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be secure knowing that they can always return home whenever they wish to.