Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night to let out their cats and then to change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.

It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. There are a number of benefits to having a flap for your cat that are:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out whenever they want. If they choose to, they can stay in at night. This will reduce the chance of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be hunting at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from getting sick.

Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for some pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.

A microchip cat flap may even provide peace of mind when you're away, such as when you go out for the evening or out on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. The app can be shared with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.

A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only allowing them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. 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 so. Once they're confident with the flap, gradually close it.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is important to select the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. 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. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to programme, making them ideal for homes with several cats.

Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not there. Certain models come with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window through an app on your smartphone.

This is useful when you're worried that your cat may wander too far from home or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap if they are in trouble.

You can also select a four-way manual locking mechanism, which gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is especially useful when your cat is a bit old or aggressive and could have difficulty using the traditional flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or when it is raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow entry if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to keep your neighbour's cats from entering your home.

Convenience

Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also help to reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. Cats are also attracted by check here the smell of herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even when they are still hesitant.

If you have a small hinged panel, which can be affixed to a door or window, it's simple 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 by offering their favourite food. It can be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do the practice will become habitual.

Another option is to use magnetic cat flaps, which recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it in. These are more expensive, but they work by using magnets on your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the property.

Other models come with a variety of locking options that allow you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entry only. These can be useful when you want to regulate your cat's movements when they go out and comes back particularly late at night or when you're not at home. They are also useful if you're away from your home for extended periods of time and want to ensure your cat remains safely indoors.

You can also select an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's entry and exit with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat get more info flaps, but they offer greater security and are more secure for your pets. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection.

Training

It can take time for a cat to get comfortable with going outside by itself in the event website that they've not used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new experience very quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to learn how to push the flap open using a paw or head. Watching them from the inside and outside can help you determine the best methods to train them however, keep in mind that all cats are different.

Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead attempt to encourage them giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap upvc door panel cat flap (but not enough to see it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the cat get more info flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap because they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward at the other end.

When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the cats in the area.

If you're unsure whether your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can keep your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs however, you should also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They'll also be secure knowing that they will be able to come back home if they want to.