How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners know the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night to let out their cats, only to have them change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats access and block access to other cats. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to come and go whenever they please. They can be in the dark if they wish, which will reduce the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that might be hunting at late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could catch if they are left outside at night.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats in and out - this is a major concern for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for your cat is the only one to get in and out.
It can also provide peace of mind if you are away from home, for example when you go on vacation or go out at night. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to enter and leave. You can also share the app access with friends and family so that they can keep an eye on 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 allowing them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open to let them observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap and beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they are confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market. Many of them offer different features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet so that it can be opened and out without difficulty. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. repairmywindowsanddoors can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements through the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful when you're worried that your cat may wander away from home or are worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and check on your pet's status through the app.
You can also select a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you greater control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially useful if your cat is aggressive or older and may be unable to use an ordinary flap. This method can also be used to stop your pets from coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of herbs such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them through it if they remain hesitant.
It's easy to teach your cat to utilize small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through using their preferred food. It can be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, it should become a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They're more expensive, but they function by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant access to your home. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats as they keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models offer different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed, exit only, or entry only. These are useful if you need to control the frequency at which your cat goes and comes particularly at night, or if you're not home. They can also be helpful when you are away from your home for a long period of time and you need to ensure that your cat is safe inside.
You can also choose an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater peace of mind and are safer for your pet. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to become accustomed to going out on their own in the event that they've not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will need to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or heads. Watching them from the outside and inside can help you work out what methods you can use to train them, but remember that all cats are unique.
Instead of yelling your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to see the other side) and then place a treat on the other side, then call them through the flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable on both of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it brings them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outdoor world it is possible to lock them in at night or just leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll always be able to return home should they wish to.