Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cat out but only to change their minds and want to return within minutes. A cat flap solves this problem.

It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are a number of advantages of having a cat flap that are:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out at any time they wish. If they choose to remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be out hunting late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could be fatal for your cat, and so keeping them in at night will prevent them from catching them.

Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats in and out - this is a major concern for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap installation cost near me flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only cat to get in and out.

It can also provide peace of mind when you're away from home, such as when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It links to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the home and allows you to regulate when they can come out and in via an intelligent curfew that you set. You can also share your app access with family and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pets while you're away.

A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by the ability to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open to let them see the outside world and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or treat on either side of the flap you can encourage and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, slowly close it.

Safety

There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet so that it can be opened and exit easily. You should also search for a durable product that can withstand paws, claws and rain.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and deter burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.

One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to monitor your pet's movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements as they walk through the window or replacement upvc door panel with cat flap through an app on your smartphone.

This is helpful if you are concerned that your cat may wander off 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 monitor your pet's status through the app.

You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who can access and exit the door. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This is a great option to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or if it's raining outside.

Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip and only let it in only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.

Convenience

Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also decrease the amount of accidents that happen within the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of plants like cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them through it if they remain uneasy.

It's easy to teach your cat how to make use of the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a window or composite door cat flap. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through by using their preferred food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time, but once you do the practice will become habitual.

Another alternative is to opt for magnetic cat flaps, that detects your pet's microchip and lets it to be inserted. They are more expensive, but they function by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting access to your home. These can be a good solution for multi-cat households and stop stray cats from entering your home.

Other models offer different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close with an exit only, or only for entrance. This is useful when you want to regulate the time your cat is allowed to go out and comes back particularly late at night and you're not at home. These can be useful if you are away from home for a long time and want to make sure your cat is safe.

You can also choose a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This allows you to manage the entrance and exit of your cat easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much more secure for your pet and provide greater security. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it can take a while to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may need to be gently enthused and require time to learn to open the flap with a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide which methods of training to use. But remember that every cat is unique.

Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them offering them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the cat flap, while speaking in an upbeat, calm voice. This will aid your cat flap insulation in learning to utilize the flap since they will be able to see that it brings them closer to the reward at the other side.

When your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals such as neighbouring cats.

If you're unsure whether your cat can cope with the outdoors, you could always put them in a cage at night, or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, 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 might arise in the home. They will also have the security of knowing that they will be able to come back home if they'd like to.