Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of waking in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats, only to have them change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap could solve this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats and deny others access. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. If they choose to, they can stay in at night. This reduces the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be hunting at night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are left outside at night.
Cats can enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their house as territory or eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.
It can also give you peace of mind when you're away from home, for example when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It's linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movement in and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide additional security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is essential to spend time teaching 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 handing out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap and praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available, with many offering different features. It is important to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet to allow them to move in and out without any difficulty. You should also look for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and deter burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by 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. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements in the house even when you're not around. Some models are equipped with smart technology that lets you monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window by via an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat may wander away from home or are concerned about their access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap if they get into any trouble.
You can also choose a four way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may struggle with an ordinary flap. This can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow it to enter only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they work well to keep the cats of your neighbors out of your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Cats are also attracted 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 help encourage them through it when they are still hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be affixed to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their favourite food. It can be difficult to get your cat 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 that recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it in. They are more expensive, however, they function by using magnets around your pet's neck to open the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options which allow you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. They are helpful if you need to control the time your cat is in and out, especially at night or if you're not home. They may also be useful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safely indoors.
You can also choose a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This lets you control the entry and exit of your cat easily. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're safer for your pets and provide more security. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat's body to become accustomed to going out on their own if they have never used a flap before. Based on their individual personality, some are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Certain cats need to be gently urged and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or head. Examining your cat from the inside and from the outside will help you decide which training methods to use. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while using a calm, positive voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap because they will be able to see the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other side.
Once your cat is beginning to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoor world it is possible to put them in a cage at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require. It it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be secure knowing that they will be able to come back home if they'd like to.