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Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of getting up in the middle night to let their cats out, only to have them change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. There are a number of advantages of having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to come and go whenever they want. If they want to remain inside, they can do so at night. This will reduce the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be out hunting late in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from getting sick.
Cats are able to enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want their neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their home as territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.
It can also provide peace of mind if you are away from home, such as when you are on vacation or go out at night. It connects to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements in and out of your home and allows you to regulate when they can come in and out via a smart curfew feature that you can set. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is crucial to spend time training 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 put 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 when they do this. Once they're confident with the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps on the market. They all have different features. cat flap installer should select a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out easily. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in different 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 access and leave the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to programme, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movement in the house even when you're not around. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets through the window or door via an app on your smartphone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat might wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap in case they do get into trouble.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may struggle with the traditional flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also help reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats are also drawn by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat to make use of the 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 walk through by using their favorite food. It may be difficult to master the process the first time but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, but work by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and give it access to your home. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close and exit only or entry only. These are useful for those who need to regulate the time your cat comes and goes particularly at night or if you're not home. They can be helpful in situations where you're away from home for an extended time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also select a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated by an app which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're more secure for your pet and provide greater security. Some of these smart flaps also have video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to get used to being outdoors on its own, especially even if they've never used a flap before. Depending on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will need to be gently encouraged and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or heads. Examining them from both the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them however, be aware that all cats are different.
Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side, then call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the learning sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it brings them closer to their 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 roam around the outside and have fun in their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure whether your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it needs and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they can always return home should they wish to.