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 come to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap could solve this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they want. If they prefer stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be out hunting late in the late at night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats out and in - this is a big worry for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind when you are not home, such as when you go going out for dinner or out on holiday. It links to a hub and app, which tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and in via a smart curfew feature that you set. You can also share your app access with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide a further layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so that they can observe the outside world and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or a treat from either side of the flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot of them come with various features. You should select a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet so that it can enter and out easily. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not present. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets through the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This is helpful if you are concerned that your cat might wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and check your pet's health via the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that offers more options to control who can go in and out. This is particularly useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can also be used to stop your pets coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to use it even when they are still in a shaky state.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be attached to a door or window it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them through it by using their favourite food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time, but once you do you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive however they work by putting magnets around your pet's neck to open the flap. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.
upvc door panels with cat flap come with a variety of locking options which allow you to make it open or closed, and even exit or entry only. They are helpful when you want to control the frequency at which your cat goes and comes particularly at night, or if you're not home. They are useful in situations where you're away from home for a long time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This allows you to control the entrance and exit of your cat easily. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're safer for your pets and offer more security. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.
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 out on their own. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will need to be gently urged and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Examining them from both the inside and out can help you determine the best methods to train them but remember that all cats are unique.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, try to encourage them giving them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the cat flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to utilize the flap since they will see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat starts to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the cats in the area.
If you're unsure whether your cat can cope with the outside world, you could always put them in a cage at night, or leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it needs, but you can also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that might arise in the home. They'll also be secure knowing that they are able to come back home if they wish to.
upvc door panels with cat flap
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