Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night to let their pets out but only to change their minds and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats and block access to other. There are a variety of advantages of using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out as they please. They can stay inside at night if they prefer, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that might be hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal for your cat and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from being bitten by them.
Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats out and in - this is a major concern for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
It can also provide peace of mind when you're away from home, such as when you go on vacation or go out at night. It's linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to enter and leave. You can share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by allowing them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is crucial to spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they are 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 holding the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each time they do it. When they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps on the market. They all have different features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the appropriate size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and exit easily. You should also look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in various ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to access and leave the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, making them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method 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 through the window or door using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is useful when 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 remotely open the cat flap and check on your pet's condition using the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism, which gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly useful for those with an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This is a great option to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they work well to keep your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that occur in the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of plants like cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage 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 to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It can be difficult to master the process the first time, but once they do start, they should continue to follow the habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. These are more expensive but they function by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and give access to your home. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models have different locking options which allow cat flap cost near me you to make it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. They are helpful when you want to control the frequency at which your cat goes and comes, especially at night or if you're not home. They may also be useful if you're away from your home for long periods of time and want to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can manage here your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, but they offer greater peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat to get used to being outside by itself if they have website not used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new environment very quickly. Some cats will need to be gently urged and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or heads. Watching them from the outside and inside will help you figure out what methods to use to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are different.
Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see get more info it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it takes them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and make sure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals like cats in the area.
If you are unsure whether your cat is capable of surviving the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, here puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to return home whenever they'd like to.