Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being awakened up in the late at night to let their pets out, only for them to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.<br /><br />It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and deny access to others. There are a variety of advantages of having a flap for your cat that are:<br /><br />Peace of Mind<br /><br />Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they want. They can remain inside at night if they wish, which will reduce the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who might be hunting in the night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if left outside at night.<br /><br />Cats can enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their homes as a territory or eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can get in and out.<br /><br />A microchip cat flap can even provide peace of mind when you are not home, such as 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 out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew to control when you allow them to leave and enter. The app can be shared with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.<br /><br />A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only permitting them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important to spend 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 wide open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of the flap and praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot of them come with different features. You should select a cat-flap that is the right size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and out without difficulty. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws claws and rain.<br /><br />Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and stop burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to install, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.<br /><br /><br /><br />A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models have intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements through the windows or doors through an app on your smartphone.<br /><br />This is helpful in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's status through the app.<br /><br />You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. <a href="https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/dagenham-cat-flap-installer-near-me/">cat flap installer</a> is especially helpful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or it is raining outside.<br /><br />Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your house.<br /><br />Convenience<br /><br />Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that take place in the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. These can be placed either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant.<br /><br />It's easy to teach your cat to utilize a small hinged flap that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through using their preferred food. It can be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.<br /><br />Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap which recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. They're more expensive however, they function by using magnets on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats as they keep out stray cats out of the property.<br /><br />Other models come with various locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open with an exit only, or only for entrance. This is useful when you want to regulate when your cat goes out and comes back, especially if it's late at night or you're not home. They may also be useful when you are away from your home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat is in a safe place.<br /><br />You can also opt for a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, that means you can control your cat's access and exit without difficulty. 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 anywhere connected to the Internet.<br /><br />Training<br /><br />If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Based on their individual personality, some are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Others might require to be gently encouraged and need time to learn to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Examining them from both the inside and outside can help you determine the best methods to train them however, keep in mind that all cats are unique.<br /><br />Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, you should instead try to encourage them offering them treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Then, call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the training sessions more enjoyable on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to utilize the flap since they will be able to see the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other side.<br /><br />When your cat starts to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather or other animals, including neighboring cats.<br /><br />If you are unsure whether your cat will be in a position to handle 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 other toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it requires however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that could occur in the home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home if they choose to.<br /><br />