How To Train Your Cat To Use A Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their pets out, only for them to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.

It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats and deny others access. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:

Peace of Mind

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

Cats can get in and out through conventional cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors cat to bother their pets, mark their house as territory and eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat upvc door panel cat flap can keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.

It can also provide peace of mind when you're away from home, for example 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 movements inside and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. It is possible to share the app with family and Cat Flap Step friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.

A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat flap fitters to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each when they do this. Once they're confident with the flap, you can slowly close it.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flap cost flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.

Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.

Microchip cat flaps are a great method to monitor your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not present. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to track the movement of your pets through wall cat flap the window or door through an app on your smartphone.

This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat might wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely lock the flap for your cat and check on your pet's condition using the app.

You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who can enter and leave. This is especially useful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with an ordinary flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.

Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats out of your home.

Convenience

Having unrestricted access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also decrease the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also enticed 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 encourage them to go through it even if they remain hesitant.

If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be fitted to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them to use it by offering their favourite food. It might be difficult to get your cat flap step through the first time but once you've done it, you will be able to make it a habit.

Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap installation flap, that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. They're more expensive, but they function by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and give access to your home. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the property.

Other models provide various locking options. You can set it to either closed or open, exit only, or only for entrance. These are useful for those who need to regulate when your cat is in and out, especially at night or when you're away. These can be useful when you're away from home for a prolonged time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.

You can also select an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This lets you manage the entrance and exit of your cat easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much safer for your pets and provide more security. Some of these smart flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Training

It can take time for a cat to become used to being outdoors on its own, especially even if they've never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new experience very quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Examining them from both the inside and out will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them but remember that every cat is unique.

Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Call your cat through the flap, while speaking in an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it brings 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 in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Certain cats are susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, including cats that live nearby.

If you're not sure if your cat is able to handle the outside world, you could always keep them inside at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it needs and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may occur in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home should they wish to.