How To Train Your Cat To Use A Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let their pets out and then to change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.

It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. There are many advantages of having a flap for your cat that include:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps help to keep your glass cat flap installation near me safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out at any time they wish. They can remain inside at night if they prefer, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be hunting during the night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could prove fatal for your cat and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from getting sick.

Conventional cat flaps; look these up, can also let other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their home 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 only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only one to get in and out.

It also gives you peace of mind if you're away from home, such as when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It links to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements in and out of the house and enables you to control when they are allowed in and out via a smart curfew feature that you set. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends to ensure that they monitor 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 permitting them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it. Start by letting the flap open so that they can see and sniff around. Holding out a favourite toy or treat on either side of the flap, give your cat praise and a reward each time it puts its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, slowly close it.

Safety

There are many cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. You should select one that is the appropriate size for your pet, so that it can be opened and out without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and deter burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to access and leave the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple cats.

A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements through the upvc door panel cat flap or window through an app on your phone.

This is useful in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander off from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.

You can also select the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is particularly useful if your cat is aggressive or older and may be unable to use an ordinary flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or when it is raining outside.

Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.

Convenience

Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.

If you have a small hinged panel, which can be attached to a door or window with cat flap it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It might be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.

Another alternative is to opt for magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it in. These are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a great choice for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.

Other models provide various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed, exit only, or entrance only. These are useful when you want to control the frequency at which your cat is in and out particularly at night, or when you're not home. They can also be helpful if you're away from home for long periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat is safe inside.

You can also choose a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This allows you to manage the access and exit of your cat easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much more secure for your pet and offer more security. Some of these smart cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.

Training

If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it can take a while to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to open the flap with a paw or head. Observing them from the outside and inside can help you determine what methods to use to train them but keep in mind that all cats are unique.

Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the learning sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it takes them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.

Once your cat begins to lick 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 secure outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as neighboring cats.

If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoor world, you could always lock them in 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 enrichment and exercise that it requires, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in your home. They'll also be secure knowing that they will be able to return home if they wish to.