Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of getting up 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 can solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats in and deny access to others. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to come and go whenever they please. 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 hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will keep them from catching them.
Cats are able to enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their homes as their territory and eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for your cat is the only cat to get in and out.
It can also give you peace of mind when you are away from home, like when you go on vacation or go out at night. It's connected to an app and hub that track 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 access to the app with family and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by permitting them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then beg them to do so each when they do this. Once cat flap cover for winter with the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available with a variety of features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet, so that it can enter and out easily. You should also look for a durable material that can withstand paws claws and rain.
Some cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements within the home even if you're not present. Certain models come with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the door or window by using an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat could wander too far from home or are concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely open the cat flap and check your pet's condition using the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking mechanism, which gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can also be used to stop your pets coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
It's easy to teach your cat to utilize the small hinged flap that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to go through using their preferred food. It may be difficult to get your cat through the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. fitting a cat flap in a upvc door recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're more expensive, but work by using a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give access to your home. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and stop stray cats from entering your home.
Other models come with different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed with an exit only, or only for entrance. These are useful if you need to control the frequency at which your cat goes and comes, especially at night or when you're not home. They can be helpful in situations where you're away from home for a long period of time and want to be sure that your cat is secure.
You can also select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This lets you manage the entry and exit of your cat with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to get used to being outdoors on its own, especially even if they've never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new environment quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap with their paws or heads. Observing them from the inside and out will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them, but remember that all cats are unique.
Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the flap, while speaking in a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it brings them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals such as cats in the area.
If you're unsure if your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can either lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be secure knowing that they are able to return home whenever they'd like to.
fitting a cat flap in a upvc door
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