How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out and then to change their mind and want to return later. A cat flap can help solve this problem.

It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats, and denying access to others. The flap can provide a number of advantages, including:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to come and go whenever they like. They can stay in their home at night if want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that may be out hunting at late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could contract if not kept in the dark.

Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats out and in - this is a big worry for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.

A microchip cat flap may even give you peace of mind when you are not home for instance, when you go going out for dinner or on holiday. It links to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the home and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and back in using the smart curfew feature you set. You can share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you're 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 security by only allowing them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not familiar with it. Begin by letting the flap open to let them see and smell the world around them. By distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, gradually 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 one that is the proper size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and exit easily. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.

Some 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 using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.

Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movement within the home even if you're not present. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements through the windows or doors through an app on your phone.

This is useful in the event that you are worried that your cat could wander away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely open their cat flap should they are in trouble.

You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly useful if your cat is old or aggressive and could struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.

Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow entry when the pet is registered. This prevents other cats.  cat flap fitting near me  can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good way to prevent your neighbour's cats from entering your home.

Convenience

Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also help to reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.

If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be affixed to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat how 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 get your cat through the first time but once you've done it, it should become a habit.

Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it to enter. These are more expensive, however they work by putting magnets around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.

Other models come with a variety of locking options, allowing you to make it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. These are great 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 are useful in situations where you're away from home for a prolonged time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.

You can also select a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This lets you control the access and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much safer for your pets and offer more security. Some of these flaps even have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new situation quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or heads. Examining your cat from the inside and the outside will help you decide on the best methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat is different.

Instead of yelling at 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 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 using a calm, positive voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward at the other side.

When your cat begins to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introduction to the outdoor environment and let them explore their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are safe outdoors as 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 handle the outdoors, you could always lock them in at night or just leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it needs and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. They'll also have the security of knowing that they will be able to return home whenever they wish to.