How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being awakened up in the late at night to let their cat out but only to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap (please click the next post) is a solution to this issue.

It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are a number of advantages of having a cat flap that are:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out as they please. If they choose to remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be out hunting late in the late at night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may catch if they are out at night.

Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats out and in - this is a big worry for some pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat flap installation bristol's unique microchip number and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only one to get in and out.

A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind when you are not home for instance, when you go going out for dinner or out on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements within and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. The app can be shared with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.

A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key can provide additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open to let them see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. You can praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they're confident with the flap, you can slowly close it.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It's important to choose a cat flap fitting flap that suits the dimensions of your pet to allow them to move between the two without difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, which makes them ideal for homes with several cats.

The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movements around the house even when you're away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the windows or doors through an app that you can download on your phone.

This is helpful when you're worried that your cat may wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they do get into trouble.

You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat who may struggle with a standard flap. This method can also be used to prevent your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or it's raining outside.

Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.

Convenience

Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also help reduce the amount of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats are also attracted to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant.

It's simple to teach your cat how to make use of the small hinged flap that can be affixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to walk through using their favorite food. It can be difficult to make them go through it the first time, but when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.

Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it in. These are more expensive but work by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting access to your home. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.

Other models have different locking options that allow you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entry only. These can be useful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in especially late at night or you're not home. They may also be useful if you're away from home for long periods of time and need to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.

You can also choose a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much more secure for your pet and provide greater security. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere connected to the Internet.

Training

If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Based on their personality, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to learn to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is unique.

Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the cat flap, while speaking in a calm, positive voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it takes them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.

When your cat flap step begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start introduction to the outdoors and let them explore their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, including neighboring cats.

If you are unsure whether your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can either lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it needs, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home should they wish to.