Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of waking in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats, only to have them change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter 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 keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to come and go whenever they like. If they prefer stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be out hunting late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat could catch if they are left outside at night.
Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors cat to bother their pets, mark their homes as territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind when you are not home for instance, when you go out for the evening or going on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. You can also share your app access with family members and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide additional security by only allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap you can 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 variety of cat flaps that are available on the market. Many of them offer various features. It is important to select one that is the right size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and out without difficulty. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and stop burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to programme, making them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movement within the home even if you're not present. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements when you walk through the door or window using an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial in the event that here you are worried that your cat could wander away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely open the flap for your cat and check your pet's status through the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is particularly useful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat who might be click here unable to use a traditional flap. This is a great option to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping your neighbors' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also decrease the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the scent of herbs such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to go through read more it even if they remain hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be attached to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the read more flap and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It can be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. These are more expensive, however, they function by using a magnet around your pet's neck to open the flap. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open and exit only or only for entrance. They can be helpful if you want to control when your cat goes out and returns especially late more info at night and you're not home. They can be helpful 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 choose a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much safer for your pets and offer more peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.
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 going out on their own. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Certain cats need to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place treats 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 maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it brings them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, including neighboring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outdoors, you could always keep them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it requires however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may occur in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll always be able to return home should they wish to.