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 decide to go to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.

It works by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats and block access to other. There are a variety of advantages to using a cat flap. cat flap installation cost near me include:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out whenever they want. If they want to, they can stay in at the night. This will reduce the chance of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will stop them from getting sick.

Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as a territory or eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only cat to access the door and exit.

It also gives you peace of mind when you are away from home, like when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It links to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of your home and lets you control when they can come in and out via an intelligent curfew that you set. You can also share your app access with family and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pet while you are away.

A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will add a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open to let them be able to see the world outside 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 give them praise and rewards each time they do it. Once they are confident then you can gradually close the flap.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market. A lot of them come with different features. It is important to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet so that they can move in and out without any difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.

Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, making them ideal for homes with several cats.

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

This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander away from home or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely open their cat flap should they are in trouble.

You can also choose a four-way manual locking mechanism, which gives you more control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially helpful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with an ordinary flap. This option can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it is raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip and only allow it to enter if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great method to stop your neighbor's cats from getting into your home.

Convenience

Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to use it even if they remain uneasy.

It's easy to teach your cat how to utilize the small hinged flap that can be attached to a window or door. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It can be difficult to make them go through it the first time, but once they do start, they should continue to follow the habit.

A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They're more expensive however they work by putting magnets placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the property.

Other models have different locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. These can be useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and returns, especially if it's late at night or when you're not home. They may also be useful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and need to ensure your cat remains safe inside.

You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This allows you to manage the access and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're safer for your pets and provide more peace of mind. Some of these smart flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Training

It can take some time for a cat to become accustomed to going outdoors on its own, especially even if they've not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new situation very quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to learn to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Watching 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.

Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while maintaining an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap as they will see that it brings them closer to the reward at the other side.

When your cat begins to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introducing them to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. However, cat flap installation cost near me to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals like cats that are in the vicinity.

If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoors you can always lock them in at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires and provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in the home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home if they choose to.
cat flap installation cost near me