Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their cats out and only to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap could solve this problem.

It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats in and deny access to others. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out as they please. They can remain in the dark if they prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be out hunting during the night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might contract if out at night.

Conventional cat flaps also let other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their territory, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.

It also gives you peace of mind if you are away from home, for example when you are on vacation or go out at night. It links to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you set. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.

A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add additional security by only allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance of it. You should 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 open to let them observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each when they do this. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market. They all have various features. It is important to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. You should also search for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and deter burglars from entering. cat flap installation near me Links to an external site. 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 your home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to install, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.

Microchip cat flaps are a great method to monitor your pet's movements in the house even when you're not around. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to track the movements of your pets from the window or door using an app on your phone.

This can be useful when you're worried that your cat could wander off from your home or you're concerned about their access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely lock the flap on your cat's door and check your pet's status through the app.

You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly helpful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This is a great option to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it is raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow it to enter only if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they work well to keep the cats of your neighbors out of your home.

Convenience

Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that take place in the home. Many cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.

It's simple to teach your cat how to make use of the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through using their preferred food. It can be difficult to make your cat go through the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.

A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive, however, they function by using the magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the home.


Other models come with a variety of locking options, allowing you to make it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. This is useful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and comes back especially late at night and you're not at home. They can be helpful in situations where you're away from home for a long time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.

You can also choose a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's access and exit easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more security and are safer for your pet. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being outside on their own. Depending on their personality, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to master how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide which training methods to use. Remember that every cat is different.

Instead of yelling at your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place treats on the other side. Then, call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to utilize the flap since they will realize the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other side.

Once your cat starts to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.

If you're not sure if your cat is able to handle the outdoor world, you could always put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it needs, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they will be able to return home whenever they wish to.