Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let their pets out, only to have them change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access to only authorized cats and block access to other. There are many advantages to having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out at any time they wish. If they want to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be hunting in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from catching them.
Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their house as a territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap may even give you peace of mind when you're away, such as when you go away for the evening or on holiday. It links to a hub as well as an app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of your home and enables you to control the time they are allowed to come out and in via an intelligent curfew that you set. You can also share access to the app with family and friends so that they can monitor your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide additional security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap, particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by opening the flap so that they can view and sniff the outside world. By distributing a favorite toy or treat on either side of the flap and give your cat praise and a reward each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer various features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the dimensions of your pet so that they can move in and out without any difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and stop burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to programme, making them ideal for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to monitor your pet's movements within the home even if you're not there. Some models have smart technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements as they walk through the windows or doors through an app that you can download on your phone.
This is beneficial if you are concerned that your cat might wander away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat flap if they are in trouble.
You can also choose the four-way get more info manual locking system, which gives you more control over who is able to enter and leave. This is especially useful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may have difficulty using a traditional flap. This 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 the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors out of your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also decrease the number of toileting accidents check here that happen within the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of plants such as 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 if they remain uneasy.
It's simple to teach your cat how to make use of small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through with their preferred get more info food. It can be difficult to get them through the first time, but once they've done it start, they should continue to follow the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive however they work by putting a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant it access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models come with various locking options. You can set it to open or closed and exit only or entry only. They are helpful if you need to control the time your cat is in and out particularly at night, or when you're away. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also opt for a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit easily. These aren't 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 that has an internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat's body to become accustomed to going outdoors on its own, especially even if they've not used a flap before. Depending on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will require to be gently urged and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or head. Watching them from the inside and outside can help you determine the best methods to train them but keep in mind that all cats are different.
Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Call your cat through the flap, while speaking in an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap because they will realize that it brings website them closer to the reward on the other side.
When your cat begins to check here play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather or other animals, including neighboring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outdoor world you can always keep them inside at night or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they can always return home whenever they wish to.