Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their pets out, only for them to change their minds and come 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 in and deny access to others. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they like. If they choose to, they can stay in at the night. This reduces the chances of them 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 therefore keeping them inside at night will stop them from being bitten by them.
Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their house as a territory, eat their food, or fight with their cats. replacement upvc door panels with cat flap -encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only one who can get in and out.
A microchip cat flap can provide security when you are not home, such as when you are away for the evening or on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can also share your app access with family members and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add additional security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is important that you spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it - start by letting the flap open so that they can view and sniff around. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap. Then beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they are confident using the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. It is essential to select a cat flap that suits the dimensions of your pet to allow them to move in and out without any difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to 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 opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not there. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements as they walk through the door or window through an app on your phone.
This is helpful when you're worried that your cat could wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they do get into trouble.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system, which offers more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of certain herbs such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them through it if they remain in a shaky state.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be attached to a door or window it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their favorite food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time but once they do begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. 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, allowing you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entry only. These are great for those who need to regulate when your cat is in and out, especially at night or when you're not home. They may also be useful when you are away from your home for extended periods of time and need to ensure that your cat is safe inside.
You can also choose an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit with ease. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're more secure for your pet and provide greater security. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat's body to become comfortable with going outdoors on its own, especially if they have never used a flap before. Based on visit site , some cats are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Open the flap a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the learning sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it leads them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, including neighboring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outdoors it is possible to keep them inside at night, or leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it needs, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home if they want to.