Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle night to let out their cats, only to have them change their minds and decide 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 to allow only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out whenever they want. They can be in the dark if they prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who might be hunting during the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, and so keeping them in at night will stop them from getting sick.
Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats in and out - this is a major concern for pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind when you are not home, such as when you go away for the evening or going on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only allowing them 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 familiar with it. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can view and sniff the outside world. Encourage cat flap installers to poke their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap. Then praise and reward them every when they do this. Once they are confident using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available with a variety of features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out easily. Look for a durable material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to enter and exit the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with several cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models come with smart technology that enables you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the window or door by using an app on your smartphone.
This is useful if you are concerned that your cat may wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely lock the flap on your cat's door and check on your pet's status through the app.
You can also select a four way manual locking system that offers more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful when your cat is a bit old or aggressive and could have difficulty using the traditional flap. This can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they work well to keep your neighbors' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's easy to teach your cat to utilize small hinged flaps that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to walk through using their favorite food. It can be difficult to get them through the first time, but once they do begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it in. These are more expensive but work by using an electronic device attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap, granting it access to your home. These are a great choice for multi-cat households to prevent unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options that allow you to make it open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. They are helpful for those who need to regulate the frequency at which your cat is in and out particularly at night or when you're away. They may also be useful in situations where you're away from home for a long period of time and want to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.
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 manage the access and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. 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
It can take time for a cat to become comfortable with going out on their own even if they've not used a flap before. Based on their individual nature, some are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or head. Observing them from the inside and outside can help you work out what methods to use to train them but keep in mind that all cats are unique.
Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by using treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to see the other side) and place treats on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor world and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, including neighboring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat is able to handle the outdoor world you can always lock them in 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 is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they will be able to come back home if they want to.