Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their pets out but only to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this issue.

It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats in and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they please. If they prefer, they can stay in at the night. This reduces the chances of them being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from getting sick.

Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats inside and out. This is a big worry for some pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only one who can get in and out.

A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you go away for the evening or on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movement in and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew to control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can also share your app access with friends and family so that they can monitor your pets while you're away.

cat flap installers repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk Links to an external site. that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide an additional layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is crucial to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it - start by leaving the flap open so that they can view and smell the world around them. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of the flap and 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 many cat flaps available with a variety of features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the size of your pet, so that they can easily move into and out with no difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.

Certain cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to install, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.

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

This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander too far from home or you're concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they do get into trouble.

You can also select the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat that may struggle with a standard flap. This option can be used to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or it is raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip, and let it in if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are 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

Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also help reduce the amount of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.


If you have a small hinged panel, which can be attached to a window or door it's easy 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 may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.

Another alternative is to opt for magnetic cat flaps, which recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. These are more expensive but work by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant it access to your home. These can be a good solution for multi-cat households and keep out stray cats out of the property.

Other models offer different locking options. You can set it to open or closed and exit only or entry only. These are great if you need to control the frequency at which your cat goes and comes particularly at night or when you're not home. They can be helpful if you are away from home for a prolonged time and want to make sure your cat is safe.

You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This lets you manage the access and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart flaps even include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.

Training

It can take some time for a cat to become accustomed to going outdoors on its own, especially even if they've not used a flap before. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may need to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to open the flap with a paw or head. Watching them from the outside and inside can help you work out what methods you can use to train them, but be aware that all cats are unique.

Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. The flap should be opened just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it brings them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.

Once your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like neighbouring cats.

If you are unsure whether your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can keep them 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 get all the exercise and enrichment that they need but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll always be able to return home should they wish to.