Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let their cats out and then to change their minds and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats in and deny access to others. There are many advantages to using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out whenever they want. They can stay in the dark if they want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who might be out hunting in the night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may catch if they are out at night.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats out and in - 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 cat door will keep other cats out by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also give you peace of mind when you're away from home, such as when you go on vacation or out at night. It's linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements within and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew 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 are away.
A microchip cat flap that has an infrared or magnetic collar key will add an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not familiar with it. Begin by letting the flap open so that they can see and smell the world around them. By distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap, give your cat praise and a reward every time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It's important to choose one that is suitable for the size of your pet, so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. You should also look for a durable product that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to enter and exit the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, which makes them ideal for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not there. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to track the movements of your pets through the door or window using an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat may wander off from your home or you're worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can check the status of your pet using the app and remotely open their cat flap if they do get into get more info trouble.
You can also opt for a four way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can access here the door and when. This is especially helpful if your cat is aggressive or older and may be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it is raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip and only let it in if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of plants such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it if they remain in a shaky state.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be attached to a door or window it's easy enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them through it by using their favourite food. It's not easy to get them through the first time but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap that recognizes your pet's microchip and click here allows it to be inserted. These are more expensive, however, they function by using the magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These are a good option for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed and exit only or entry only. They can be helpful for those who want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and returns particularly late at night or you're not home. They can be helpful if you are away from home for an website extended time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much more secure for your pet and offer more peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to become comfortable with going out on their own if they have never used a flap before. Based on their nature, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and taught to open the flap with their paws or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you click here decide on the best training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, it's better to attempt to encourage them giving them treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outside world it is possible to 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 make sure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in your home. They'll also have the security of knowing that they will be able to come back home if they want to.