How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their pets out and only to change their minds and want to return within minutes. A cat flap can help solve this problem.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access to only authorized cats, and denying access to others. The flap can provide a number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to go and come whenever they please. They can stay inside at night if they wish, which will reduce the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that might be hunting in the late at night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may catch if they are not kept in the dark.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats out and in - this is a major issue for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
repairmywindowsanddoors can also provide peace of mind if you're away from home, such as when you go on vacation or out at night. It's linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movement in and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew to control when you allow them to enter and leave. The app can be shared with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has an infrared or magnetic collar key will add a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap 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 especially important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or a treat from either side of flap and praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available, with many offering different features. It is important to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet so that they can move between the two without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pets movements around the house even when you are away from home. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements when you walk through the windows or doors through an app on your smartphone.
This is useful if you're concerned that your cat might wander away from home or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they get into any trouble.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system which offers more options to decide who can go in and out. This is especially useful for those with an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This can be used to deter your pets coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow it to enter only if the pet is registered. This keeps 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 access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also attracted to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat to utilize the small hinged flap 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 favorite food. It may be difficult to master the process the first time, but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. They are more expensive, however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give access to your home. These are a good option for families with multiple cats to keep stray animals from entering the property.
Other models have different locking options, allowing you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entry only. These are great for those who need to regulate the frequency at which your cat is in and out particularly at night, or if you're not home. They are useful when you're away from home for a long time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also select an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more peace of mind and are safer for your pet. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat's body to become used to being out on their own in the event that they've never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience very quickly. Others might require to be gently encouraged and need time to learn to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Watching your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best methods of training to use. But remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the cat flap, while speaking in an ebullient, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other end.
Once your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and enjoy their newfound freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals like cats that are in the vicinity.
If you are unsure whether your cat is in a position to handle the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. This lets you ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations around the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to return home if they'd like to.