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 cats out but only to change their minds and want to return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and restrict access to all other cats. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to come and go whenever they want. They can remain in the dark if they want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that may be out hunting during the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, and so keeping them in at night will prevent them from catching them.
Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their house as their territory or eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.
A microchip cat flap may even provide peace of mind when you are not home, such as when you are out for the evening or on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that track your pet's movements within and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can also share the app access with family and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will add an additional layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is crucial to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not familiar with it. Begin by opening the flap so that they can see and smell the world around them. Holding out a favourite 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 then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available, with many offering different features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the size of your pet to allow them to move in and out without any difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models have smart technology that allows you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is helpful when you're worried that your cat may wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can check the status of your pet using the app and remotely open their cat flap should they are in trouble.
You can also select a four way manual locking system, which offers more options to decide who can access the door and when. double glazing cat flap is especially useful if your cat is aggressive or older and may be unable to use an ordinary flap. This can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow entry when the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also help reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be fitted to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their favourite food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time but once you've done it, you will be able to make it a habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, however they work by putting the magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These are a good option for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with various locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open with an exit only, or only for entrance. They can be helpful when you want to regulate when your cat goes out and returns, especially if it's late at night or you're not home. They can be helpful in situations where you're away from home for a prolonged time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also select an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated by an app that means you can control your cat's access and exit with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, but they offer greater security and are more secure for your pets. Some of these flaps also have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to learn to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Examining them from both the inside and outside can help you work out what methods you can use to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are different.
Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the flap while using 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 side.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoor world and let them explore 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 neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outside world, you could always keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home if they want to.