Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their cats out and only to change their minds and come to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap solves this issue.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats and block access to other. A cat flap has a number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to come and go whenever they like. If they want to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This reduces the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be out hunting late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are out at night.
Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their house as their territory and eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
It also gives you peace of mind if you're away from home, such as when you go on vacation or out at night. It connects to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of your home and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come out and back in using a smart curfew feature that you set. You can share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you are 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 security by only the ability to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is essential to spend time educating your cat to use the flap, particularly if they aren't used to it - start by letting the flap open to let them see and smell the world around them. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they're comfortable using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available, with many offering different features. You should select a cat-flap that is the right size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and out without difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in various ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements within the home even if you're not around. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to track your pet's' movements through the windows or doors through an app on your phone.
This can be useful if you're concerned that your cat may wander away from home or you're concerned about their access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and monitor your pet's status through the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism, which gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is particularly useful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip, and allow entry only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to go through it even in case they are uneasy.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be attached to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them to use it by offering their favourite food. It can be difficult to get them through the first time but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive however, they function by using a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entry only. These are great for those who need to regulate the frequency at which 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 home for extended periods of time and want to ensure your cat remains in a safe place.
You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This allows you to control the access and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, but they offer greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat's body to become used to being out on their own if they have not used a flap before. Based on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide which training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to utilize the flap since they will see that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side.
When your cat starts to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure whether your cat is capable of surviving the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. cat flap fitters can ensure that your cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it needs however, you should also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll always be able to return home should they wish to.
