Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being woken 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 can solve this problem.
cat flap installers near me www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap has a number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out at any time they wish. They can stay in the dark if they want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that may be out hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from catching them.
Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as a territory and eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one to access the door and exit.
A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind when you're away, such as when you are out for the evening or out on holiday. It links to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of the house and lets you control when they can come out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you set. You can also share your app access with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap that has an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide a further layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so that they can see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap and beg them to do so each time they do it. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market. They all have various features. You should select a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet, so that it can be opened and out without difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to access and leave the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not there. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the door or window by using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat could wander away from home or are concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely open their cat flap should they do get into 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 especially helpful when your cat is a bit old or aggressive and could be unable to use a traditional flap. This is a great option to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip and only allow entry if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they work well to keep your neighbours' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen in the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain 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 use it even when they are still in a shaky state.
It's simple to teach your cat how to make use of small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It's not easy to make them go through it the first time, but once they've done it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap, granting it access to your home. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to open or close, exit only, or entrance only. They are helpful if you need to control when your cat is in and out, especially at night or when you're not home. They can also be helpful if you're away from home for long periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat is safe inside.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit easily. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these smart flaps even have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
It can take time for a cat to become accustomed to going outdoors on its own, especially if they have never used a flap before. Based on their individual nature, some cats are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to learn how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Watching your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide which training methods to employ. But remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Place an item on the other 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 flap while maintaining a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap because they will see that it brings them closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat starts to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoors and let them explore their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoors, you could always lock them in at night or leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it needs, but you can also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that might arise in the home. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to return home if they want to.