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 decide to go to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap solves this problem.

It works by scanning the microchip of your cat flap fitting to allow only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. There are many advantages to having a cat flap that are:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to move around whenever they please. They can remain in the dark if they prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be hunting at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will keep them from getting sick.

Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbours' 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 reading the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.

A microchip cat flap could provide security when you're away, such as when you are out for the evening or on holiday. It connects to a hub and [Redirect Only] an app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of the house and allows you to regulate when they can come out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you can set. It is possible to 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 magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing fitting a cat flap in a upvc door favorite toy or food item from either side of flap you can give your cat praise and a reward every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.

Safety

There are many cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that is the appropriate size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and out without difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and deter burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, making them ideal for homes with several cats.

Microchip cat flaps are a great way to monitor your pet's movements within the home even if you're not there. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements as they walk through the door or window using an app on your smartphone.

This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander away from home or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely open the cat flap and check on your pet's status through the app.

You can also choose a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially useful if your cat is more aggressive or if they are older and have difficulty using 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.

Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective method to stop your neighbor's cats from getting into your home.

Convenience

Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put on either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.

If you have a small hinged panel that can be fitted to a window or upvc door panels with cat flap, it's simple enough to teach your cat flap install to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It's not easy to master the process the first time, but once they do start, they should continue to follow the habit.

Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it in. They're more expensive, but they function by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting it access to your home. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and stop stray cats from entering your property.

Other models come with a variety of locking options, allowing you to make it open, closed, exit only or entry only. These are great when you want to control the time your cat is in and out particularly at night or if you're not home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from home for long periods of time and want to ensure your cat remains safe inside.

You can also choose an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more security and are more secure for your pet. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection.

Training

It can take time for a cat to get accustomed to going out on their own even if they've never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently encouraged and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or head. Examining your cat from the inside and the outside can help you decide what training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is different.

Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap slightly (not enough to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the learning sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will aid your Cat flap step in learning to use the flap because they will be able to see the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other end.

When your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like neighboring cats.

If you are unsure whether your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can keep your cat inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. This lets you make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll always be able to return home if they want to.