How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners know the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let out their cats but only to change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap can help solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. A cat flap has a number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. They can remain in the dark if they wish, which will reduce the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who may be out hunting at night. Many of these animals have diseases that could be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will keep them from being bitten by them.
Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a worry for pet owners who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their home as territory, eat their food, or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.
It can also provide peace of mind if you are away from home, like when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It is linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movement in and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. The app can be shared with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is important to spend time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so that they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap and beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they're comfortable using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market. They all have different features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet so that they can move between the two without difficulty. You should also look for a durable product that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and stop burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track the movement of your pets through the door or window by through an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander too far away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they do get into trouble.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system, which offers more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit old or aggressive and could struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. Repair My Windows And Doors UK helps to reduce the number of accidents that take place in the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's simple to teach your cat how to make use of small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to walk through using their favorite food. It's not easy 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 that detects your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. They're more expensive however, they function by using the magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great choice for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options, allowing you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. They can be helpful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and returns particularly late at night and you're not home. They may also be useful if you're away from home for extended periods of time and need to ensure your cat remains safely indoors.
You can also choose a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's entrance and exit easily. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to learn how to push the flap open using a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside can help you decide what methods of training to use. But remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Call them through the flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it brings them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, including cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure whether your cat can cope with the outside world it is possible to put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they can always return home if they want to.