Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out, only to have them change their mind and want to return later. A cat flap could solve this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats and deny others access. A cat flap offers number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to move around whenever they like. They can be inside at night if they wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be hunting at night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from catching them.
Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors cats to annoy their pets, mark their home as a territory, eat their food, or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one to access the door and exit.
It can also give you peace of mind when you are away from home, like when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It links to a hub and app that tracks your pet's movements in and out of the home and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come in and out via an intelligent curfew that you set. You can share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.
A microchip cat flap that has an infrared or magnetic collar key can provide an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer various features. You should select a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet so that it can be opened and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to monitor your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor 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 may wander away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely lock the flap on your cat's door and check your pet's status through the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that 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 may struggle with a standard flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip and only allow it to enter when the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping your neighbors' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce read more the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be affixed to a door or window it's easy enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive however they work by putting a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap, granting it access to your home. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with different locking options. You can set it to open or closed and exit only or entry only. This is useful for those who want to control when your cat goes out and returns, especially if it's late at night or when you're not home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a prolonged time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also select a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater security and are safer for your pet. Some of these flaps also have video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it can take a while to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new experience website very quickly. Certain cats need to be gently urged and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Examining your cat from the inside and outside will help you decide which methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat website is different.
Instead of yelling your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Prop the flap open just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Call them through the flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the learning sessions easier on get more info both you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap because they will see that it brings them closer to the reward at the other side.
When your cat begins to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on 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're not sure if your cat can cope with the outside world, you could always put them in a cage at night or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it requires and provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they will be able to come back home if they wish to.