How To Train Your Cat To Use A Cat Flap
Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let out their cats, only to have them change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats access and block access to other cats. There are a variety of benefits to having a cat flap that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out at any time they wish. If they choose to, they can stay in at night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be hunting in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will prevent them from catching them.
Cats can get in and out through conventional cat flap installer near me flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their homes as a territory and eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only cat to access the door and exit.
It also gives you peace of mind when you are away from home, such as when you are on vacation or out at night. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to enter and leave. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will add an additional layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is essential to spend time training your cat flap cover for winter to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it - start by letting the flap open so that they can see and cat Flap Bifold doors sniff the outside world. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. You can give them praise and rewards each time they do it. Once they're confident with the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available, with many offering different features. You should select a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet so that it can enter and out without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Some double glazing cat flap flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to install, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movement inside the house, even if you're not present. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements through the upvc door panels with cat flap or window by using an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat might wander off from your home, or you're worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they are in trouble.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to enter and leave. This is especially useful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may struggle with an ordinary flap. This is a great option to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to keep your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also help to reduce the number of accidents that take place within the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of plants such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them through it in case they are in a shaky state.
It's simple to teach your cat how to utilize the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to go through with their favorite food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time however once you've mastered it, you will be able to make it a habit.
Another alternative is to opt for magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it in. They're more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with different locking options that allow you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. These can be useful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and returns, especially if it's late at night or when you're not at home. They are also useful when you are away from your home for a long period of time and need to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.
You can also select an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's entrance and exit with ease. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much safer for your pets and offer more peace of mind. Some of these flaps even come with video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a cat flap step or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new situation very quickly. Others may need to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to open the flap with a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and outside can help you decide what methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them with treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to see the other side) and place treats on the other side, then call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will allow your Cat Flap Bifold Doors to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it leads them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin introduction to the outdoors and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Certain cats are susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, including neighboring cats.
If you're not sure whether your cat is capable of surviving the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situation in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also have the security of knowing that they can always return home whenever they want to.