How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their pets out, only for them to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap could solve this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats access and block access to other cats. There are many advantages of having a cat flap that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to go and come whenever they want. They can be in the dark if they want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal for your cat and therefore keeping them inside at night will keep them from being bitten by them.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats in and out - this is a major concern for pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.
A microchip cat flap can provide security when you're away, such as when you go out for the evening or on holiday. It connects to a hub as well as an app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home and allows you to regulate when they can come out and in via an intelligent curfew that you can set. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by allowing them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is essential to spend time training your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it - start by leaving the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each when they do this. Once they are confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and exit easily. Find a sturdy fabric that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to programme, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
A key advantage 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 have smart technology that enables you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the door or window using an app on your smartphone.
This is useful if you are concerned that your cat may wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely open the cat flap and monitor your pet's health via the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that offers more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is particularly useful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This can also be used to stop your pets coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thus keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also attracted to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be fitted 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 encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It may be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, however they work by putting an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant it access to your home. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with different locking options that allow you to make it open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. These are great when you want to control when your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or if you're not home. cat flap fitters near me www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk are also useful when you are away from home for extended periods of time and want to ensure that your cat is safe inside.
You can also opt for a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, that means you can control your cat's entrance and exit with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much more secure for your pet and provide greater security. Some of these smart flaps also include video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment very quickly. Others may require being gently enthused and require time to learn how to push the flap open using a paw or head. Watching them from the inside and out can help you determine what methods to use to train them but keep in mind that all cats are unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap because they will realize the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other side.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Certain cats are susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like neighboring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoor world you can always keep them inside at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it requires and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll be able to return home should they wish to.