How To Train Your Cat To Use A Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cats out and only to change their minds and come to return within minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.

It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. There are a number of benefits to having a cat flap that include:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out as they please. They can stay in the dark if they prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be hunting in the night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat and so keeping them in at night will prevent them from catching them.

Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats out and in - 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 getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap install flap (Learn Alot more) can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit.

A microchip cat flap fitting flap can provide security when you're away, such as when you go going out for dinner or out on holiday. It connects to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of the home and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you set. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.

A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide additional security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance from it. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then praise and reward them every time they do so. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can slowly close it.

Safety

There are a myriad of cat flaps available, with many offering different features. It is important to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet, so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats.

One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models have smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the window or door by using an app that you can download on your phone.

This is a great option when you're worried that your cat may wander too far from home or are concerned about their access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can track the location of your pet using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they do get into trouble.

You can also opt for a four way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is especially useful if your cat is old or aggressive and could have difficulty using an ordinary flap. This is a great option to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or it is raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip and only allow entry when the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.

Convenience

Being able to access the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of herbs such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it if they remain uneasy.

If you have a small hinged panel, which can be attached to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It can be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do the practice will become habitual.

Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and lets it to enter. They're more expensive, but work by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.

Other models offer various locking options. You can set it to either closed or open with an exit only, or entry only. These are great when you want to control when your cat is in and out, especially at night or when you're not home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a prolonged time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.

You can also opt for cat flap a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit with ease. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much safer for your pets and offer more peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it can take a while to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Based on their nature, some are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Examining your cat from the inside and outside will help you decide which methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat is different.

Instead of yelling your cat to open 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 flap, while speaking in an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap because they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward on the other end.

When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are safe outdoors as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.

If you're not sure whether your cat flap installation in glass doors near me will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs however, you should also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. They'll also be secure knowing that they are able to return home whenever they wish to.