Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their pets out and only to change their minds and come to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access to only authorized cats and deny others access. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. If they prefer, they can stay in at night. This will decrease the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be out hunting late in the late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might contract if out at night.
Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors cat to bother their pets, mark their house as a territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
It also gives you peace of mind when you are away from home, such as when you go on vacation or out at night. It links to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of your home and allows you to regulate when they can come in and out via the smart curfew feature you can set. You can share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it - start by leaving the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap and beg them to do so each time they do it. When they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is important to select one that is the right size for your pet's needs so it can be able to enter and out without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to install, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets through the door or window via an app on your smartphone.
This is helpful if you are concerned that your cat may wander away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they are in trouble.
You can also choose a four way manual locking system which offers more options to decide who can go in and out. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat who might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or when it is raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats also feel enticed 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 encourage them to use it even in case they are uneasy.
It's easy to teach your cat to utilize a small hinged flap that can be affixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through by using their favorite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, the practice will become habitual.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it to be inserted. They are more expensive, but work by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models offer different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed, exit only, or entrance only. This is useful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and comes back especially late at night or when you're not home. They are also useful when you are away from home for extended periods of time and want to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more peace of mind and are more secure for your pet. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat to get accustomed to going outdoors on its own, especially if they have not used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new environment very cat flap in upvc door cost quickly. Some cats will need to be more info gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Examining them from both the inside and outside can help you work out what methods you can use to train them, but remember that all cats are unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap slightly (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to check here make the training sessions more enjoyable on both of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and read more notice that it takes them closer to the reward on the opposite 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 take advantage of their newfound freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure if your cat will here be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require. It also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home if they want to.