Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night to let their cats out, only to have them change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap can solve this problem.

It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are many benefits to having a cat flap that include:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out whenever they want. If they want to stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be hunting in the late at night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if not kept in the dark.

Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats out and in - this is a big worry for some pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one to be able to enter and exit.

A microchip cat flap may even provide peace of mind even when you're not home like when you go out for the evening or on holiday. It connects to a hub and app that tracks your pet's movements in and out of the home and lets you control when they are allowed out and back in using the smart curfew feature you set. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.

A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is important that you spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it. Start by opening the flap to let them see and smell the world around them. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item on either side of the flap you can give your cat praise and a reward each time it pushes its head through. When they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.

Safety

There are a myriad of cat flap in bifold doors flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the size of your pet so that they can easily move into and out with no difficulty. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.

Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, making them ideal for homes with several cats.

One of the major advantages of microchip cat flap install flaps is that they enable you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models have smart technology that enables you to track your pet's' movements through the door or window using an app on your phone.

This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat could wander off from your home or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can check the status of your pet through wall cat flap the app and remotely lock their cat flap if they do get into trouble.

You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit old or aggressive and could have difficulty using an ordinary flap. This method can be used to deter your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.

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

Convenience

Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also help reduce the amount of accidents that happen in the home. Many cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.

If you have a small hinged panel, which can be affixed to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them through it by using their favourite food. It can be difficult to master the process the first time, but once they've done it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.

Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, that recognizes your pet's microchip and lets it in. They're more expensive, but work by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to open the flap and give access to your home. These are a great choice for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.

Other models provide various locking options. You can set it to open or close and exit only or entrance only. This is useful for those who want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and comes back particularly late at night or when you're not at home. These can be useful when you're away from home for a long time and want to make sure your cat is safe.

You can also select a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's access and exit with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much more secure for your pet and offer more peace of mind. Some of these smart cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap in bifold doors flap (click hyperlink) it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new situation very quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap with their paws or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. But remember that every cat is different.

Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, try to encourage them giving them treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place treats on the other side. Call them through the flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it brings them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.

Once your cat is beginning to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, like neighboring cats.

If you're not sure if your cat can cope with the outdoors it is possible to lock them in at night or just leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be secure knowing that they can always return home if they wish to.