How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out, only to have them change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats and deny others access. There are a number of benefits to using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out whenever they want. They can stay inside at night if they prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be out hunting during the late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could catch if they are not kept in the dark.
Cats can enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind when you are not home for instance, when you are away for the evening or out on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movement in and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew to regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. You can share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide additional security by only allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap, particularly if they aren't familiar with it. Begin by opening the flap to let them see and sniff around. Holding out a favourite toy or food item on either side of the flap and encourage and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It is important to select one that is the proper size for your pet so that it can be opened and exit easily. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter the house. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to programme, making them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not there. Certain models come with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the window or door via an app on your smartphone.
This is useful in the event that you are worried that your cat may wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely lock the cat flap and check on your pet's condition using the app.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to enter and leave. This is especially useful if your cat is old or aggressive and could struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they work well to keep the cats of your neighbors away from your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to use it even if they remain uneasy.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be fitted to a door or window it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap which recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're more expensive, but work by using a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap, granting access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models offer different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close with an exit only, or entry only. These can be useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and come in, especially if it's late at night or when you're not home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for an extended time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these flaps also come with video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it may take some time to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new situation very quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to learn to open the flap using a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide which training methods to use. Remember that upvc door panel with cat flap is different.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by offering them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the flap, while speaking in a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will be able to see the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other end.
When your cat begins to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can begin introduction to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as neighbouring cats.
If you are unsure whether your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it requires, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in your home. They'll also be secure knowing that they are able to come back home if they want to.