Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being awakened up in the late at night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats and block access to other. The flap can provide a number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to come and go whenever they please. They can stay inside at night if they prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who might be hunting at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat might be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.
Cats can enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This is a worry for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their homes as a territory and eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap could provide security when you're away, such as when you are away for the evening or going on holiday. It links to a hub and app, which tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house and lets you control the time they are allowed to come out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you set. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key can provide additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is essential to spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it - start by leaving the flap open so that they can view and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap and praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they're confident with the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer different features. You should choose one that is the right size for your pet so that it can enter and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to monitor your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor the movements of your pets through the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely lock the flap on your cat's door and check on your pet's status through the app.
You can also choose a four way manual locking system that offers more options to decide who can go in and out. This is particularly helpful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that may struggle with a standard flap. This method can be used to deter your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow entry when the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also help to reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.
It's simple 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 end 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 when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, but work by using a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap, granting it access to your home. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models have different locking options that allow you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entry only. through wall cat flap can be useful for those who want to control when your cat goes out and come in, especially if it's late at night or when you're not at home. They are useful in situations where you're away from home for an extended time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also select a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much more secure for your pet and provide greater security. Some of these smart flaps even include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new environment very quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to master how to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Examining them from both 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.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, try and encourage them by using treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap as they will realize that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other end.
Once your cat is beginning to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them explore their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are secure outdoors, as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outside world, you could always put them in a cage at night or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situations in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home if they want to.