Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their pets out and only to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. Repair My Windows And Doors can help solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats and deny others access. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to come and go whenever they like. If they want to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will prevent them from being bitten by them.
Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their house as their territory, eat their food, or get into fights with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for your cat is the only cat to get in and out.
A microchip cat flap can provide security when you're away for instance, when you go out for the evening or out on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. The app can be shared with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will add an additional layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is important that you spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it - start by leaving the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they are confident using the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. You should select one that is the proper size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and exit easily. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to install, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
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. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the window or door by using an app on your smartphone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat could wander away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely open the cat flap and monitor your pet's condition using the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly useful when your cat is a bit more aggressive or if they are older and have difficulty using the traditional flap. This can also be used to stop your pets coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus blocking 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
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also help to reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be attached to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them through it by using their favorite food. It may be difficult to get your cat through the first time however once you've mastered it, it should become a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're more expensive, but work by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed with an exit only, or only for entrance. These can be useful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and returns particularly late at night or when you're not at home. They are useful if you are away from home for a prolonged time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This allows you to manage the access and exit of your cat easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, but they offer greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pet. Some of these flaps even come with video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of going outside on their own. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Certain cats need to be gently urged and taught to open the flap using their paws or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside can help you decide what training methods to use. But remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while using a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn to utilize the flap since they will see that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side.
Once your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and enjoy their newfound freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, including cats that live nearby.
If you are unsure whether your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can either lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home if they want to.