Many cat owners know the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats but only to change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats access and deny access to others. There are many advantages to having a cat flap that include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to move around whenever they want. They can remain in their home at night if wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that may be out hunting at late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from being bitten by them.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats inside and out. This is a big worry for pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their territory, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap may even give you peace of mind when you are not home like when you go out for the evening or on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to enter and leave. The app can be shared with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only the ability to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is crucial to spend time training your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it - start by opening the flap so that they can see and sniff around. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each time they do so. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. It's important to choose one that is suitable for the size of your pet, so that they can easily move into and out with no difficulty. You should also look for a durable product that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Some cat flap s can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and deter burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to program, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the window or door via an app on your phone.
This is useful if you are concerned that your cat could wander away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely unlock the cat flap and check on your pet's condition using the app.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who can access and exit the door. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great way to keep your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the scent of plants like cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to use it even in case they are in a shaky state.
It's simple to teach your cat how to make use of the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to go through with their preferred food. It can be difficult to make them go through it the first time, but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.
Another option is to use magnetic cat flaps, which recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it in. They are more expensive, however they work by putting an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and give access to your home. They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models provide various locking options. You can set it to open or close and exit only or only for entrance. This is useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and returns, especially if it's late at night or when you're not home. They can also be helpful when you are away from your home for a long period of time and you need to ensure that your cat is in a safe place.
You can also select an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This allows you to manage the access and exit of your cat with ease. upvc door panel with cat flap fitted 're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring, and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it could take a while to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new experience very quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap with their paws or heads. Watching them from the inside and out will help you figure out the best methods to train them but keep in mind that all cats are unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap a little (not enough to see the other side) and then place a treat on the other side. Call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to utilize the flap since they will realize that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other end.
Once your cat starts to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them explore their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats in the area.
If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outdoor world you can always put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. They will also be secure knowing that they can always come back home if they wish to.
cat flap
Top comments (0)