How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of getting up in the middle night to let their cats out but only to change their mind and want to return later. A cat flap could solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats and deny others access. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out as they please. If they prefer remain inside, they can do so at night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be out hunting late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will prevent them from being bitten by them.
Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors cat to bother their pets, mark their home as a territory and eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can even provide peace of mind when you are not home for instance, when you are going out for dinner or on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew to regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. The app can be shared with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, particularly if they aren't used to it - start by letting the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap and praise and reward them every when they do this. Once they're comfortable using the flap, slowly close it.
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There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot of them come with various features. It is important to select one that is the right size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and out easily. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pets' movements through the windows or doors using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat may wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat flap if they do get into trouble.
You can also select a four way manual locking system, which gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This is a great option to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your house.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be affixed to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It can be difficult to make your cat go through the first time, but once you do you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, but they work by using a magnet around your pet's neck to open the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models come with different locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. They are helpful when you want to control the time your cat comes and goes, especially at night or when you're not home. They are useful in situations where you're away from home for an extended time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also choose a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's entry and exit easily. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much more secure for your pet and provide more peace of mind. Some of these flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to get accustomed to going out on their own in the event that they've never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new experience very quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to learn how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide which training methods to use. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, try and encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap a little (not enough to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the training sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap because they will be able to see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other end.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoors and let them explore their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outside world it is possible to put them in a cage at night or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it needs, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to come back home if they'd like to.