Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out at any time they wish. If they prefer remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will reduce the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be out hunting late at night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if left outside at night.
cat flap fitters flaps also let other cats in and out - this is a major issue for some pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for your cat is the only cat to get in and out.
It also gives you peace of mind if you're away from home, such as when you go on vacation or out at night. It's connected to an app and hub that track your pet's movement in and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to control when you allow them to enter and leave. You can also share the app access with family members and friends so that they can 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 an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is important to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not used to using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of the flap you can give your cat praise and a reward every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet to allow them to move in and out without any difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not around. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets through the door or window by using an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful when you're worried that your cat might wander too far from home or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's status through the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can access and exit the door. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This can be used to deter your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they work well to keep your neighbours' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also decrease the number of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also drawn by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat how to utilize small hinged flaps that can be affixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through with their favorite food. It's not easy to master the process the first time, but once they do begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They are more expensive, but they work by using magnets on your pet's neck to open the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with different locking options that allow you to choose to lock it open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. These are useful if you need to control the frequency at which your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or if you're not home. They are also useful when you are away from your home for a long period of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safely indoors.
You can also opt for a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated by an app that means you can control your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much safer for your pets and provide greater 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 kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Based on their individual nature, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may need to be gently enthused and require time to master how to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Observing them from the inside and out can help you determine what methods you can use to train them but remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the cat flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it brings them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introducing them to the outdoors and let them explore their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure that they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as cats in the area.
If you are unsure if your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also have the security of knowing that they can always return home if they want to.