Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats but only to change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap could solve this problem.

It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. There are many advantages to having a flap for your cat that include:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out whenever they want. They can be in their home at night if prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal to your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will keep them from being bitten by them.

Cat flaps that are conventional can allow 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 house as their territory, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.

A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you are away for the evening or going on holiday. It connects to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home and enables you to control the time they are allowed to come out and in via a smart curfew feature that you set. You can also share the app access with friends and family to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away.

A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. You should spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of flap you can give your cat praise and a reward each time it puts its head through wall cat flap. Once they're confident with the flap, you can slowly close it.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps available, with many offering different features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the appropriate size for your pet, so that it can be opened and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.

Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and stop burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to install, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.

Microchip cat flaps are a great method to monitor your pet's movements in the house even when you're not around. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to track your pets' movements as they walk through the window or door through an app that you can download on your phone.

This is helpful if you are concerned that your cat may wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and check your pet's health via the app.

You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can access and exit the door. This is particularly useful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may have difficulty using an ordinary flap. This method can be used to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it is raining outside.

Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.

Convenience

Being able to access the world outside can help keep your cat flap bifold doors mentally and physically engaged. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.

If you have a small hinged panel, which can be attached to a window or composite door cat flap it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it by offering their favorite food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time but once you've done it, you will be able to make it a habit.

Another alternative is to opt for magnetic cat flaps, that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. These are more expensive, however they work by putting magnets on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great choice for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.

Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open with an exit only, or only for entrance. These are useful for those who need to regulate when your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or if you're not home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and want to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.

You can also select a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated via 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 security and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart flaps even have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Training

It can take some time for [empty] a cat to become comfortable with going outdoors on its own, especially in the event that they've not used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new situation quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or heads. Examining your cat from the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. Remember that every cat is different.

Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead attempt to encourage them giving them treats. The flap should be opened just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will help your cat flaps for french doors learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it brings them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.

When your cat starts to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, such as cats that live nearby.

If you are unsure whether your cat is in a position to handle the outdoors, you can either lock them inside at night or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it requires however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in your home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.