Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of waking in the middle night to let out their cats but only to change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap could solve this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to go and come whenever they like. If they want 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. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may catch if they are left outside at night.
Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats in and out - this is a major issue for some pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat flap cover for winter, and then unlocking it only for cat flap bifold doors your cat.
It can also provide peace of mind when you're away from home, such as when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It links to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come in and out via a smart curfew feature that you can set. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can see the outside world and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of flap you can encourage and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. When they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. It's important to choose the right cat flap for the size of your pet to allow them to move between the two without difficulty. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flap insulation flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window through an app on your smartphone.
This is useful in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat flap in case they do get into trouble.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system which offers more options to control who can go in and out. This is especially useful if your cat is aggressive or older and may struggle with a traditional flap. This can also be used to stop your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a pet's chip and only allow entry when the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Access to the world outside can help keep your cat flap installation cost near me mentally and physically engaged. It can also help reduce the amount of accidents that occur within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants like cat flap cost thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's easy to teach your cat flap in bifold doors how to use small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through with their favorite food. It's not easy to master the process the first time, but once they do, they should take up the habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap that detects your pet's microchip and allows it in. They are more expensive, however they work by putting the magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with a variety of locking options which allow you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entrance only. These are great if you need to control when your cat comes and goes, especially at night or if you're not home. They may also be useful when you are away from your home for a long period of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safely indoors.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This lets you control the access and exit of your cat with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater peace of mind and are more secure for Cat Flap bifold doors your pets. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it can take a while to get them used to the idea of going out on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new situation quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, attempt to encourage them giving them treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place a treat on the other side, then call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the learning sessions easier for both of you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will realize that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other end.
When your cat begins to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoors and let them explore their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your Cat flap bifold doors and make sure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like cats that are in the vicinity.
If you are unsure if your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can either lock them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires however, you should also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. They will also be secure knowing that they can always return home whenever they wish to.