How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let their pets out and then to change their minds and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap could solve this problem. It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats, and denying access to others. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as: Peace of mind Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out as they please. They can stay in the dark if they wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that might be hunting during the late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal for your cat and therefore keeping them inside at night will stop them from catching them. Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for some pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as their territory, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one to get in and out. A microchip cat flap may even give you peace of mind when you are not home, such as when you go going out for dinner or out on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movement in and out of the home. doors with cat flap can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to enter and leave. You can also share your app access with family and friends so that they can monitor your pet while you are away. A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so they can see the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of the flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. When they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap. Safety There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market. Many of them offer various features. It is essential to select one that is suitable for the dimensions of your pet so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand rain, paws and claws. Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the house. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple pets. Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movement within the home even if you're not there. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window using an app on your phone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat might wander away from home or are concerned about their access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely open the flap for your cat and check your pet's health via the app. You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you greater control over who can access and exit the door. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This can be used to deter your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or it's raining outside. Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip and only allow it to enter when the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your house. 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 happen in the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of plants like cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary Sage – these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to use it even if they remain uneasy. If you have a small hinged panel, which can be fitted to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them through it by using their favourite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, you will be able to make it a habit. Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it in. These are more expensive, but they work by using magnets around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a good option for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property. Other models offer different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close, exit only, or entry only. These are great for those who need to regulate the time your cat goes and comes particularly at night, or when you're away. They are useful in situations where you're away from home for a prolonged time and you want to make sure your cat is safe. You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This lets you manage the access and exit of your cat with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection. Training If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Depending on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or head. Observing them from the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods to use to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are different. Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the cat 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 opposite side of the flap. Once your cat starts to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoors and let them experience their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals such as cats in the area. If you're not sure if your cat can cope with the outside world you can always put them in a cage at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow 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 situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home should they wish to.