Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats and then to change their minds and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap could solve this problem.

It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and restrict access to all other cats. There are a number of advantages to using a cat flap. These include:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to go and come whenever they please. They can stay inside at night if they prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be out hunting at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could catch if they are out at night.

Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for some pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as their territory, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.

A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you go out for the evening or on holiday. It links to a hub and app that tracks your pet's movements in and out of the home and enables you to control when they can come out and back in using the smart curfew feature you can set. You can also share your app access with family and friends to ensure that they monitor your pet while you are away.

A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is recommended to spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, slowly close it.

Safety

There are many cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It's important to choose one that is suitable for the size of your pet, so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.

Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and deter 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 only allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.

The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to track the movement of your pets through the door or window via an app on your phone.

This can be useful if you're concerned that your cat could wander away from home or you're concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.

You can also opt for a four way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is particularly useful when your cat is a bit old or aggressive and could be unable to use the traditional flap. This method can also be used to stop your pets coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.

Certain pet owners choose to use 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, however they can website be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors out of your home.

Convenience

Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of plants such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even if they remain uneasy.

If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be attached to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go here through the first time, but once you do it should become a check here habit.

A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They are more expensive, but they function by using a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give access to your home. They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the home.

Other models come with a variety of locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. These are great when you want to control when your cat is in and out, especially at night or if you're not home. These can be useful in situations where you're away from home for a prolonged period of time and want to be sure your cat is safe.

You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected check here to your smartphone, and controlled via an app. This allows you to control the access and exit of your cat easily. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and provide more peace of mind. Some of these flaps also have video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.

Training

If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may need to be gently enthused and require time to learn how to push the flap open using a paw or head. Watching them from the outside and inside will help you figure out what methods to use to train them, but be aware that all cats are unique.

Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead try to encourage them giving them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the cat flap while using a calm, positive voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other end.

When your cat begins to push the get more info flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin introduction to the outdoors and let them experience their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are safe outdoors as certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals like cats that are in the vicinity.

If you're unsure whether your cat is in a position to handle the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. This lets you ensure that they get all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be secure knowing that they are able to come back home if they'd like to.