How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cats out, only for them to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats in and restrict access to all other cats. There are a variety of advantages to having a cat flap that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out as they please. They can remain in their home at night if prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be out hunting at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could be fatal for your cat, and so keeping them in at night will keep them from getting sick.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats out and in - this is a major issue for pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home 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 and unlocking only for your cat is the only one to get in and out.
A microchip cat flap can even provide peace of mind when you're away like when you go going out for dinner or out on holiday. It links to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of the home and lets you control when they can come out and in via a smart curfew feature that you can set. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only permitting them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so that they can observe the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of the flap and praise and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market. A lot of them come with different features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet, so that they can move in and out without any difficulty. You should also search for a durable material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and stop burglars from entering. 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 be allowed into and out of the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to programme, making them ideal for homes with several cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to track the movement of your pets through the door or window through an app on your phone.
This is useful if you're concerned that your cat might wander too far from home, or you're worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can track the location of your pet using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for a four way manual locking system that offers more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip and only let it in only if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective method to stop your neighbor's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also help to reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) as well as 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, which can be affixed to a window or door 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 by offering their favourite food. It can be difficult to make them go through it the first time but when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They're more expensive however they work by putting magnets placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. These are a good option for households with multiple cats to stop stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. They are helpful if you need to control the time your cat is in and out, especially at night or when you're not home. They can also be helpful if you're away from your home for extended periods of time and need to ensure that your cat is safely indoors.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit easily. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more security and are more secure for your pets. Some of these flaps also include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to become comfortable with going outdoors on its own, especially in the event that they've not used a flap before. Based on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap with their paws or head. Watching them from the outside and inside will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them however, keep in mind that all cats are different.
Instead of forcing repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk to open the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while using a calm, positive voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap because they will see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other end.
Once your cat starts to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can begin introduction to the outdoor environment and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are safe outdoors as certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're not sure whether your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situation in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.
