Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their pets out and only to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.<br /><br />It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are many advantages to using a cat flap. These are:<br /><br />Peace of Mind<br /><br />Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to go and come whenever they want. If they choose to remain inside, they can do so at night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be out hunting late at late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will keep them from catching them.<br /><br />Cats can enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their house as territory, eat their food, or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep out other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.<br /><br />A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind when you're away, such as when you are away for the evening or on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can also share access to the app with family and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away.<br /><br />A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or a treat from either side of flap and give your cat praise and a reward each time it pushes its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can gradually close it.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />There are numerous cat flaps available on the market. They all have different features. It is essential to select a cat flap that suits the dimensions of your pet so that they can move in and out without any difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.<br /><br />Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.<br /><br />A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Some models have intelligent technology that allows you to track your pets' movements as they walk through the door or window through an app that you can download on your phone.<br /><br />This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat might wander too far from home, or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely lock the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's status through the app.<br /><br />You can also select a four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.<br /><br />Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus blocking other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to keep your neighbour's cats from entering your home.<br /><br />Convenience<br /><br />Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also decrease the number of toileting accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.<br /><br />It's simple to teach your cat to utilize a small hinged flap that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through by using their favorite food. It's not easy to make them go through it the first time but once they do begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.<br /><br />A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant access to your home. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.<br /><br />Other models offer various locking options. <a href="https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/poole-cat-flap-installer-near-me/">Repair My Windows And Doors</a> can set it to open or close with an exit only, or entry only. They can be helpful when you want to regulate the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in, especially if it's late at night or you're not home. They can also be helpful if you're away from home for long periods of time and want to ensure that your cat stays safe inside.<br /><br />You can also choose a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This allows you to control the entrance and exit of your cat with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere connected to the Internet.<br /><br /><br /><br />Training<br /><br />It can take time for a cat to get comfortable with going out on their own if they have not used a flap before. Based on their individual nature, some cats are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Examining your cat from the inside and the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. Remember that every cat is different.<br /><br />Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, you should instead try to encourage them offering them treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and then place a treat on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.<br /><br />Once your cat starts to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and make sure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like neighbouring cats.<br /><br />If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outdoor world you can always lock them in at night or just leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it needs, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they can always come back home if they want to.<br /><br />