Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their pets out but only to change their minds and come to return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this issue.

It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and deny access to others. There are many advantages to having a flap for your cat that include:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out whenever they want. They can be in their home at night if want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that might be hunting in the late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are out at night.

Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats out and in - this is a major concern for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.

A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind when you are not home for instance, when you go going out for dinner or going on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can also share your app access with family members and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pets while you're away.

A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key can provide an additional layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it. Start by leaving the flap open so that they can view and sniff the outside world. By distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of flap and encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, gradually close it.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market. Many of them offer various features. It is essential to select one that is suitable for the dimensions of your pet so that they can easily move into and out with no difficulty. You should also look for a durable product that can withstand paws claws and rain.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple pets.

A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements when you walk through the door or window using an app on your smartphone.

This is helpful if you are concerned that your cat could wander too far away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely open the flap for your cat and check on your pet's status through the app.

You can also opt for a four way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is especially helpful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and have difficulty using a traditional flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or if it's raining outside.

Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow it to enter when the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.

Convenience

Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also help to reduce the number of accidents that happen in the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of 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 affixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through using their preferred food. It might be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do the practice will become habitual.

A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive however, they function by using the magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep stray animals from entering the property.

Other models provide various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close with an exit only, or entry only. They are helpful for those who need to regulate the time your cat comes and goes particularly at night or when you're away. They can also be helpful if you're away from your home for a long period of time and want to ensure that your cat stays safe inside.

You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This lets you control the entrance and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring, and are accessible 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. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Certain cats need to be gently urged and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide on the best methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat is unique.

Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them offering 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. Call your cat through the flap, while speaking in an upbeat, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap because they will realize the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other side.

Once your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and have fun in their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, including neighboring cats.


If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outside world you can always keep them inside at night or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but 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 comfortable knowing they'll always be able to return home should they wish to.