Fireworks may be beautiful and special for us, but not such a thrill for pets. The sight of sudden flashes and unexpected bangs can, understandably, be very unsettling for cats and dogs. Some animals hide, freeze or get scared to the point of trying to escape. So, when fireworks are on the cards, the best place for your pet is home: somewhere familiar, comfortable and secure.
This is where SureFlap comes in – a line of microchip cat flaps and pet doors with features that give you more control over who can come and go, helping you create a safer space for your pet. Let’s explore them.
Make home their safe place
You can’t stop the fireworks going off, just like you can’t control when the neighbours decide it’s time for one more display. However, you can control what’s happening at home.
A hiding place for your pet away from windows, the curtains closed, some background music and a little preparation can all help your pet feel more comfortable. And making sure they’ve been walked and given time outdoors before the fireworks start gives you one less thing to worry about.
With SureFlap, you can choose the level of control that works for your pet and home, from simple microchip recognition to individual permissions and app-controlled access.
When home needs to be a one-way trip
If your cat normally spends the evening exploring the garden, Bonfire Night may be one of those times when having control over your pet door can really help. You can make sure they’re safely inside, without worrying about them wandering back out again.
This is because SureFlap microchip cat flaps and pet doors offer different ways to manage access, depending on the model. So instead of having to block the cat flap manually, you can make sure your pet can come and go only when it’s safe for them to do so.
The SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap, for example, has an in-only mode, which means your cat can come home but can’t head back outside. It also uses your pet’s microchip to identify them, helping to keep neighbouring cats and other unwanted visitors out. It’s a small change, but one that can make a big difference – especially on a noisy night such as Bonfire Night.
When the neighbour cat has a free pass
You probably know the type. It’s that cheeky feline who knows exactly when your cat’s dinner is being served. The one who treats your sofa as a second home. Cute, yes. But also inconvenient.
A traditional cat flap can’t tell the difference between them and your cat, while a SureFlap can. This is because it can read your pet’s microchip. So, while this feature can be useful during fireworks season, it’s an everyday benefit too, especially if your pet doesn’t appreciate neighbouring cats moving into their territory.
When there are multiple pets in the home
Things get even more interesting if you have more than one cat or dog. One pet may be perfectly happy staying indoors, while another is desperate to get out and patrol the garden. Or perhaps your outdoor cat suddenly needs to stay in for medical reasons.
With the SureFlap DualScan Microchip Cat Flap, you can set individual exit permissions for different pets. So, one can be allowed out while another stays safely inside. You can also use it for entry-only access, allowing a pet to come home without giving them the option to head straight back out.
It’s a much more flexible approach for pet owners – and one that can make managing different pets’ routines a little easier.
When your pet is home alone
This is where the more advanced SureFlap range comes into its own. The Microchip Cat Flap Connect works with the Sure Petcare app, giving you control from your phone. Depending on the model, you can set curfews, lock or unlock the door remotely, and receive notifications when your pet leaves or enters the home.
So, if you’re at work and suddenly wonder whether you remembered to unlock the cat flap, you can check and adjust it from your phone. And if you have a larger cat or small dog, the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect offers the same app connectivity in a larger format, with remote locking and unlocking, curfews and notifications.
Safe and sound
When the outside world gets noisy, home is the place your pet can always rely on. As Bonfire Night approaches, it’s the ideal time to plan ahead, explore how you can help keep your pet safe and make home as comfortable as possible during a stressful time. SureFlap is here to help make that a little easier.
