Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their cat out but only to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.<br /><br />It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats and block access to other. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:<br /><br />Peace of mind<br /><br />Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to come and go whenever they please. They can stay in the dark if they wish, which will reduce the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that may be out hunting during the night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from getting sick.<br /><br />Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbors cats to annoy their pets, mark their homes as their territory and eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.<br /><br />It can also provide peace of mind if you are away from home, like when you go on vacation or go out at night. It connects to a hub and app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of your home and lets you control when they are allowed out and back in using a smart curfew feature that you can set. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.<br /><br />A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so that they can see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap. Then praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they are confident then you can gradually close the flap.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />There are many cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out easily. You should also look for a durable product that can withstand paws, claws and rain.<br /><br />Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to enter and exit the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.<br /><br />A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's 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 that you can download on your phone.<br /><br />This is helpful in the event that you are worried that your cat may wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can track the location of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap in case they do get into trouble.<br /><br />You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially useful if your cat is old or aggressive and could struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.<br /><br />Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip, and let it in only if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your house.<br /><br />Convenience<br /><br />Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put on either side of the flap if they are still unsure.<br /><br />If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be fitted to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It may be difficult to make them go through it the first time but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.<br /><br /><br /><br />A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. <a href="https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/richmond-cat-flap-installer-near-me/">fitting cat flap in upvc door panel</a> , but they function by using the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the property.<br /><br />Other models have different locking options, allowing you to make it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. They are helpful when you want to control when your cat is in and out particularly at night or if you're not home. They are also useful in situations where you're away from home for long periods of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safe inside.<br /><br />You can also select an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're more secure for your pet and offer more security. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection.<br /><br />Training<br /><br />If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Based on their nature, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently urged and taught to open the flap using their paws or heads. Observing them from the inside and out will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them, but be aware that all cats are different.<br /><br />Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to see the other side) and place treats on the other side, then call them through the flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the learning sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to use the flap because they will see that it brings 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 can let them roam around the outside and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as neighboring cats.<br /><br />If you are unsure whether your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it needs and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that may arise in your home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they can always return home if they want to.<br /><br />