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So, Is it worth getting a microchip cat flap?
Lets have a look!
The cat flap was reportedly invented or at least used by none other than Isaac Newton! He made two holes, draped by cloth for his cats. Though there are earlier accounts in doors, such as a cathedral door from the 15th century housing one!
So you can see that the idea to accommodate our feline friends is not new. However what is new, is our technological advancements to create a safe environment anytime of the day or night, with microchips!
If your cat doesn’t have a microchip but you want the functionality of the microchipped cat flap, then you can always look to magnetic and RFID collars. These can work with compatible cat flaps to ensure that only your pet has access.
This is a cost-effective way to upgrade a standard cat flap without the need for your pet to be chipped.
Simply put around the neck it will be able to give the same access as an implant.
What can I use instead of cat flap?
Considerations for Alternatives to a cat flap:
When choosing the best alternative for your home, consider the following:
- Security: How well does the option protect your home from unwanted entry?
- Convenience: Is it easy for your pet to use? Consider their age and health.
- Installation: Can you install it yourself, or will you need professional help?
- Aesthetics: How well does the solution blend with your home’s design?
- Cost: Budget is always a consideration, so weigh the initial outlay against long-term benefits.
Each alternative offers unique advantages and can be tailored to suit the specific needs of your household and your pet. Whether you prioritise security, ease of use, or minimal home modification, there’s an option that can seamlessly integrate into your lifestyle while ensuring your cat enjoys their freedom.
Where is the best place to put a cat flap?
Adaptable Installation
You have many options as to where we can install one of our cat flaps in your home. We can fit a cat flap through a glass door, timber doors, composite doors, aluminium doors, porches, conservatories, patio and even French doors.
But choosing the best location for a cat flap for your home, is key to its usability and ensuring your pet’s safety and ease of access. Here are some factors to help determine the most suitable place for a cat flap in your home:
Accessibility for Your Pet:
Convenient Height: Ensure the flap is installed at the right height for your cat, typically about 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) from the bottom of the door to the base of the flap. This allows easy access for cats of all sizes.
Safe Landing Area: Both inside and outside landing areas should be safe and clear of any obstacles that might hinder your cat’s movement or cause injury.
Security Considerations:
Away from Potential Intruders: Install the cat flap in a door or wall that’s not easily accessible to potential intruders, avoiding areas that are hidden from view or too close to locks and handles of main doors.
Visibility: Choose a location that allows you to easily monitor your cat’s comings and goings, which can be helpful in managing their safety and ensuring they’re not bringing unwanted guests inside.
Environmental Factors:
Protection from Weather: Install the cat flap in a location that minimizes exposure to adverse weather conditions. Placing it in a sheltered area can prevent rain, snow, and wind from entering your home.
Quiet and Low-Traffic Area: To make your cat feel safe and encourage them to use the flap, choose a quiet area away from loud noises and high foot traffic within the home.
Home Look and Functionality:
Integration with Home Design: Consider how the cat flap will look in the chosen location and whether it fits aesthetically with your home’s design.
Minimising Disruption: Choose a spot that doesn’t disrupt the flow of your home or interfere with its structural integrity, such as thick walls or areas requiring extensive modifications.
So, the best place to put a cat flap often depends on a balance of these factors, tailored to your specific home layout and your cat’s behaviour. Common choices include back doors, side doors, or walls leading to secure areas of your garden or yard. For those living in apartments or without direct access to a garden, window inserts are a viable alternative.
Before installation, observe your cat’s behaviour and preferred paths in and out of the house to guide your decision.
Additionally, consulting with a professional installer can provide valuable insights into the optimal placement based on your home’s architecture and your cat’s needs.
Should I lock the cat flap at night?
Locking the cat flap at night is a consideration many pet owners face, balancing the desire for pet freedom with concerns about safety and security. Here are the key factors to consider when deciding whether to lock your cat flap at night:
Safety Concerns:
- Wildlife: In some areas, locking the cat flap at night can protect your pet from encountering wildlife or other cats with whom they might fight or feel threatened by.
- Security: There’s the consideration of preventing unwanted intruders (both animal and, potentially, human) from gaining access to your home through the flap.
Pet Habits and Health:
- Nighttime Activity: Some cats are nocturnal and prefer roaming outside at night. Restricting this natural behaviour can lead to stress or behavioural issues.
- Health Needs: If your cat needs to go outside for toileting or has health issues requiring frequent outdoor access, locking the flap might not be feasible.
Alternative Solutions:
As already discussed above the options are:
- Microchip Cat Flaps: These can be programmed to lock automatically at certain times, providing a compromise by allowing your cat access during the evening but securing the home overnight.
- Magnetic or RFID Collars: Similar to microchip cat flaps, these systems can ensure that only your pet can use the door, mitigating some security concerns.
Expert Recommendations:
- Consult a Veterinarian: They can offer advice based on your cat’s health, age, and behaviour, suggesting whether nighttime confinement is advisable.
- Security Professionals: For concerns about home security, consulting with a professional can provide solutions that keep your pet safe without compromising your home’s security.
Conclusion:
The decision to lock a cat flap at night depends on a variety of factors including your living environment, your cat’s behaviour and needs, and your security concerns. For many, the ideal solution involves using technology like microchip or RFID cat flaps to manage access. This way, you can ensure your cat’s freedom and safety while also protecting your home.
Before making a decision, weigh the pros and cons specific to your situation. Consider your cat’s well-being and your family’s security as primary factors in your choice. If uncertain, a trial period of keeping the flap locked or unlocked can provide insight into what works best for your pet and your peace of mind.
So, Is it worth getting a microchip cat flap? That’s a yes!
If your pet ins’t chipped, then have a RFID collar to utilise the same level of protection for your home.
We supply a 4-way locking cat flap, but we are happy to fit any cat flat that is supplied to us by our customers. By choosing to hire a cat flap installer from Sheerwater Glass, we ensure only the best service is provided.
We at Sheerwater Glass have installed countless number of cat and dog flaps in windows and doors, so if you need any advise please call one of our helpful team, to find the right place to put your cat flap!
By Jessica Stevens
