Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle night to let their cats out and then to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.

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

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to go and come whenever they want. They can stay inside at night if they prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who might be hunting in the night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could contract if not kept in the dark.

Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats out and in - this is a big worry for pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their territory, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only one who can get in and out.

It can also give you peace of mind when you are away from home, such as when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It connects to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of the home and lets you control when they are allowed out and in via an intelligent curfew that you can set. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends to ensure that they monitor your pet while you are away.

A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will add an additional layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is crucial to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by letting the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. Holding out a favourite toy or a treat from either side of flap you can give your cat praise and a reward each time it puts its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, slowly close it.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps available, with many offering different features. It's important to choose one that is suitable for the size of your pet, to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. You should also search for a durable product that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and stop burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple cats.

Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movement within the home even if you're not around. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the window or door by using an app on your smartphone.

This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat may wander off cat flap fitters near me from your home or are concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and website remotely lock their cat flap if they do get into trouble.

You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is especially helpful if your cat is aggressive or older and may be unable to use an ordinary flap. This method can be used to deter your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or it's raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip and only allow entry only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your home.

Convenience

Access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also help reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also attracted to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put either side of the flap if they are still unsure.

If you have a small hinged panel that can be attached to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it by offering their favorite food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time however once you've mastered it, it should become a habit.

Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting it access to your home. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and stop stray cats from entering your home.

Other models offer different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close with an exit only, or entry only. These are great when you want to control the frequency at which your cat is in and out, especially at night or if you're not home. They are also useful when you are away from your home for extended periods of time and need to ensure more info that your cat stays safe inside.

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 manage the entry and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater security and are safer for your pet. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Training

If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new situation quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Watching them from the outside and inside will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them, but keep in mind that every cat is unique.

Instead of forcing your cat to go 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 open the flap. Your cat should be called through the cat flap, while speaking in a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it leads them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.

When your cat starts to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Some cats could more info be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as cats that live website nearby.

If you're not sure if your cat is able to handle the outdoor world it is possible to keep them inside at night, or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home if they want to.