Many cat owners are familiar with 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 go back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.

It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats and deny others access. There are a number of benefits to having a flap for your cat that include:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out at any time they wish. If they choose to remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be out hunting late in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that could be fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will keep them from getting sick.

Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors cat to bother their pets, mark their homes as their territory, eat their food, or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only one who can get in and out.

It can also give you peace of mind if you're away from home, such as when you are on vacation or out at night. It connects to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of the home and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come out and in via a smart curfew feature that you can set. You can share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.

A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important that you spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not familiar with it. Begin 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 holding out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap. You can praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.

Safety

There are many different cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot 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 between the two without difficulty. You should also look for a hard-wearing material that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain.

Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.

Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not there. Some models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track the movements of your pets through the door or window by via an app on your smartphone.

This is useful when check here you're worried that your cat could wander too far from home or are worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they get into any trouble.

You read more can also select a four way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that may struggle with a standard flap. This can also be used to stop your pets coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.

Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.

Convenience

Access to the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It also helps to reduce the number of accidents that happen in the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of plants such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to go through it even when they are still hesitant.

If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be attached to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them through it by using their favourite food. It's not easy to get them through the first time but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.

A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They are more expensive, however they work by putting magnets placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.

Other models offer different locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open and exit only or entry only. These are great when you want to control the time your cat comes and goes particularly at night or if you're not home. They are also useful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and need to ensure your cat remains in a safe place.

You can also opt for a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated by an app that means you can control your cat's access and exit without difficulty. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater security and are safer for your pet. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat flap installation in glass doors near me cat, it may take some time for them to get here accustomed to the idea of being outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may require being gently encouraged and need time to learn to open the flap using a paw or head. Observing them from the inside and outside can help you determine the best methods to train them however, remember that all cats are different.

Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place an item on cat flap insulation the opposite side. Call them through the flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the learning sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to use the flap because they will be able to see that it brings them closer to the reward at the other side.

Once your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Certain cats are susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, including neighbouring cats.

If you're not sure whether your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can either lock 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 gets the exercise and enrichment it requires and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that may occur in the home. They'll also have the security of knowing that they can always come back home if they'd like to.