How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let their pets out but only to change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.

It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats in and deny access to others. A cat flap offers number benefits, including:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to go and come whenever they please. They can remain in their home at night if wish, which will reduce their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who might be hunting in the night. These animals could carry deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.

Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats in and out - this is a big worry for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one to access the door and exit.

It can also provide peace of mind if you are away from home, for example when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It links to a hub as well as an app that tracks your pet's movements into and out of the house and lets you control when they are allowed out and in via a smart curfew feature that you set. You can also share the app access with family and friends so that they can monitor your pet while you are away.

A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each time they do so. Once they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.

Safety

There are many cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. You should select a cat-flap that is the right size for your pet so that it can be opened and out easily. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand rain, paws and claws.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and deter burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.

repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk are a great method to track your pet's movements in the house even when you're not present. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements through the window or door using an app on your smartphone.

This is helpful when you're worried that your cat might wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely lock the flap for your cat and check on your pet's health via the app.

You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is particularly useful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may struggle with an ordinary flap. This can be used to deter your pets coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip and only allow it to enter when the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they work well to keep the cats of your neighbors away from your house.

Convenience

Access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to go through it even if they remain uneasy.

It's easy to teach your cat how to make use of small hinged flaps that can be affixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through with their favorite food. It can be difficult to master the process the first time but once they do start, they should continue to follow the habit.

Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap that recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. They are more expensive, but work by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant it access to your home. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent unwanted animals from entering your property.

Other models come with various locking options. You can set it to open or closed and exit only or only for entrance. They can be helpful when you want to regulate your cat's movements when they go out and come in, especially if it's late at night and you're not at home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for an extended time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.

You can also choose a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This allows you to control the entry and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these smart flaps even include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of being outside on their own. Based on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or heads. Examining them from both the inside and outside can help you determine what methods you can use to train them but remember that all cats are unique.

Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to utilize the flap since they will see that it brings them closer to the reward at the other end.

Once your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Certain cats are susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like neighboring cats.

If you are unsure if your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situation in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also have the security of knowing that they are able to come back home if they wish to.