Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being awakened up in the late at night to let their cats out, only for them to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.

It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats to enter and deny access to others. The flap can provide a number of advantages, including:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to move around whenever they like. They can be in the dark if they want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who might be hunting at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could be fatal for your cat and therefore keeping them inside at night will keep them from being bitten by them.

Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats in and out - this is a major concern for some pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.

A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind when you're away, such as when you go going out for dinner or on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can also share your app access with family and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pet while you are away.

A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is essential to spend time training your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it - start by leaving the flap open to let them see and sniff around. 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 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 on the market, with many offering different features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet to allow them to move between the two without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.

Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from entering. 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 your home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple cats.

Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not around. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to monitor your pets' movements through the door or window through an app on your phone.

This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat could wander too far from home or you're worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely lock the cat flap and check check here your pet's health via the app.

You can also select a four-way manual locking mechanism, which gives you more control over who can access and exit the door. This is particularly useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip, and allow entry if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your home.

Convenience

Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the number of accidents that occur more info within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of herbs such as 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 if they remain in a shaky state.

If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be affixed to a door or window, it's simple enough to read more teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them through it by using their favorite food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time, but when they've mastered it start, they should continue to follow the habit.

Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it in. They are more expensive, but they function by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant it access to your home. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.

Other models have different locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. These can be useful for those who want to control when your cat goes out and come in particularly late at night or when you're not at home. They are useful when you're away from home for a prolonged time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.

You can also select an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated by an app that means you can control your cat's entry and exit with ease. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're more secure for your pet and provide greater security. Some of these smart flaps even include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Training

It may take a while for a cat to get used to being outdoors on its own, especially in the event that they've not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment very quickly. Certain cats need to be gently urged and taught to open the flap with their paws or heads. Observing them from the inside and out can help you work out what methods you can use to train them more info however, remember that all cats are unique.

Instead of yelling at your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them with treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the flap, making read more sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions more enjoyable for both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to use the flap because they will see the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other end.

When your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Certain cats are susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like cats that live nearby.

If you're unsure whether your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can keep your cat inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it needs and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in the home. They will also be secure knowing that they are able to return home whenever they'd like to.