Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let out their cats but only to change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.

It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats access and block access to other cats. There are a variety of benefits to having a cat flap that are:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to go and come whenever they want. They can stay in their home at night if wish, which will reduce their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be out hunting at late at night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.

Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their homes as a territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.

A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind when you are not home for instance, when you go away for the evening or going on holiday. cat flap installation cost connects to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the house and enables you to control when they are allowed out and back in using the smart curfew feature you can set. You can share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.

A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can observe 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. When they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.

Safety

There are a myriad of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. It is important to select one that is the right size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out easily. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.

Some cat flaps are lockable in different ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to install, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.

Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movement in the house even when you're not present. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window by using an app on your phone.

This is helpful when you're worried that your cat could wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and check your pet's health via the app.

You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is especially useful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or it's raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow entry when the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.

Convenience

Access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen inside the home. cat flap installation cost are also enticed by the smell of certain herbs such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to use it even when they are still in a shaky state.

It's simple to teach your cat to make use of small hinged flaps that can be affixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through by using their favorite food. It can be difficult to teach your cat the first time however once you've mastered it, the practice will become habitual.

Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. They are more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap, granting access to your home. These are a good option for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.

Other models come with different locking options. You can set it to open or closed, exit only, or entrance only. These are great if you need to control when your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or when you're away. They can also be helpful when you are away from home for extended periods of time and need to ensure that your cat is safely indoors.

You can also choose a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it could take a while to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new environment quickly. Certain cats need to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Observing them from the inside and outside can help you work out what methods to use to train them, but be aware that every cat is unique.

Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions more enjoyable on both of you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap because they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward on the other end.

Once your cat starts to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like neighboring cats.

If you are unsure whether your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can either lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it needs however, you should also provide them with 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 return home if they wish to.
cat flap installation cost