How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let their pets out but only to change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats access and block access to other cats. There are a variety of advantages of having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to move around whenever they like. They can stay in the dark if they wish, which will reduce their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will stop them from catching them.
Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a worry for pet owners who don't want neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their house as territory or eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, so 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 are on vacation or out at night. It links to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of the house and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come in and out via a smart curfew feature that you set. You can share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by permitting them to use it when 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. Begin by leaving the flap open so they can see the outside world and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap you can praise and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. When they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market. A lot of them come with various features. It is important to select one that is the appropriate size for your pet, so that it can enter and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or 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 easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the window or door via an app on your phone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat could wander too far from home or you're worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely open the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's status through the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system which gives you more options to control who can access the door and when. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat that may struggle with a standard flap. This option can be used to deter your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your house.
Convenience
Access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also decrease the number of accidents that happen within the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to use it even when they are still in a shaky state.
It's easy to teach your cat how to use small hinged flaps that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It's not easy to make them go through it the first time but once they do begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive, but work by using a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give access to your home. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats and stop stray cats from entering your property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to open or close and exit only or only for entrance. They can be helpful when you want to regulate the time your cat is allowed to go out and comes back especially late at night or when you're not at home. They are useful in situations where you're away from home for a prolonged time and you 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 through an app. This lets you control the entrance and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more security and are safer for your pet. Some of these flaps also have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere connected to the internet.
Repair My Windows And Doors can take time for a cat to become accustomed to going outdoors on its own, especially in the event that they've not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new situation very quickly. Others may need to be gently enthused and require time to master how to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Prop the flap open just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side, then call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it takes them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat starts to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and enjoy their newfound freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats in the area.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outdoor world you can always lock them in at night or just leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they get all the exercise and enrichment they require, but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll always be able to return home should they wish to.