How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners know the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let their cats out but only to change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. There are a number of advantages of having a flap for your cat that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out as they please. They can remain inside at night if they prefer, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that might be hunting in the night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will keep them from catching them.
Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their house as their territory and eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
It also gives you peace of mind when you are away from home, for example when you go on vacation or go out at night. 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 restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can also share your app access with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will add a further layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is important to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so that they can see the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of the flap, give your cat praise and a reward every time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It's important to choose the right cat flap for the size of your pet, so that they can easily move into and out with no difficulty. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps are lockable in various ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to access and leave the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with several cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit 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 when you walk through the windows or doors by using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat might wander away from home, or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely unlock the cat flap and check your pet's condition using the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking mechanism, which gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is particularly useful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with an ordinary flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby keeping out other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also help reduce the number of accidents that happen in the home. Many cats are also attracted to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be attached to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them through it by using their favourite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive but they work by using a magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models come with different locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. This is useful if you want to control your cat's movements when they go out and comes back especially late at night and you're not home. They can be helpful if you are away from home for a prolonged time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This lets you manage the access and exit of your cat easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much safer for your pets and provide more security. cat flap installers of these smart flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it can take a while to get them used to the idea of going outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to master how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Watching them from the inside and out can help you determine what methods you can use to train them however, remember that all cats are unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Call them through the flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals such as cats in the area.
If you're not sure whether your cat is in a position to handle the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it needs, but you can also give them a chance 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.