Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let their cats out, only to have them change their mind and want to return later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats and block access to other. There are a variety of advantages of having a flap for your cat that are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out as they please. They can be in the dark if they prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be hunting during the night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal for your cat and therefore keeping them inside at night will keep them from catching them.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home as their territory, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you go away for the evening or out on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movement in and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can also share access to the app with family and friends to ensure that they monitor your pet while you are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open to let them observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap. You can give them praise and rewards each when they do this. Once they're confident with the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer various features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock or opt for microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to programme, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models have intelligent technology that allows you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the windows or doors through an app on your phone.
This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat could wander away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely lock the flap on your cat's door and check on your pet's condition using the app.
You can also select a four way manual locking system that offers more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is especially helpful if your cat is more aggressive or if they are older and have difficulty using the traditional flap. This option can also be used to prevent your pets from coming website in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow entry if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular 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 stimulated. It can also help reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.
It's simple to teach your cat to make use of a small hinged flap that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through with their preferred food. It may be difficult to master the process the first time, but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap which recognises the read more microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. They're more expensive, but they function by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and grant it access to your home. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to make it open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. These are useful when you want to control the frequency at which your cat goes and comes particularly at night, or when you're not home. They may also be useful when you are away from home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays safe inside.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This allows you to manage the access and exit of your cat easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat's body to become used to being out on their own in the event that they've not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new experience very quickly. Others might require to be gently encouraged and need time to learn how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. But remember that every cat is different.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, it's better to try and encourage them by offering them treats. Open the flap a little (not enough to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Call them get more info through click here the flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are website secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If you are unsure whether your cat is capable of surviving the outdoors, you can either lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it needs however, you should also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they will be able to return home if they want to.