How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of getting up in the middle night to let their pets out, only to have them change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats and block access to other. There are many advantages of using a cat flap. These include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out at any time they wish. They can stay inside at night if they wish, which will reduce their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be out hunting in the 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 being bitten by them.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for some pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap may even provide peace of mind when you're away like when you go away for the evening or going on holiday. It connects to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of the house and lets you control when they are allowed out and in via a smart curfew feature that you set. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you're 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 if their collar is within a specific distance from it. You should spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of the flap and encourage and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market. A lot of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that is the appropriate size for your pet so it can be able to enter and out without difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to install, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to monitor your pet's movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window by through an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat could wander too far from home, or you're worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely lock the flap on your cat's door and check on your pet's condition using the app.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system, which offers more options to control who can access the door and when. This is especially useful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow it to enter when the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be attached to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them through it by using their favorite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They are more expensive, however, they function by using a magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with a variety of locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entry only. These can be useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and returns especially late at night or when you're not at home. They can be helpful if you are away from home for an extended time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also choose a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This lets you manage the entrance and exit of your cat easily. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater security and are safer for your pet. Some of these smart flaps even have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
It can take time for a cat's body to become 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 situation quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to learn to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Watching them from the inside and outside can help you determine what methods to use to train them but remember that all cats are different.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the flap while maintaining a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side.
When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start introduction to the outdoor environment and let them experience their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outdoors, you could always lock them in at night or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situation in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. cat flap installer near me will also be secure knowing that they are able to return home whenever they want to.