How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their cat out and only to change their minds and come to return within minutes. A cat flap can help solve this problem.

It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. If they choose to remain inside, they can do so at the night. This reduces the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be hunting in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal for your cat and so keeping them in at night will prevent them from being bitten by them.

Conventional cat flaps also let other cats in and out - this is a major issue for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.

A microchip cat flap can even provide peace of mind when you are not home like when you go going out for dinner or going on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements within and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew to regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. The app can be shared with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.

A microchip cat flap that has an infrared or magnetic collar key can provide an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is essential to spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it - start by letting the flap open so that they can see and sniff around. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap and beg them to do so each time they do it. When they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.

Safety

There are many different cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot of them come with various features. It is important to select one that is suitable for the dimensions of your pet so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in various ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by 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 house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, making them ideal for homes with several cats.

Microchip cat flaps are a great way to monitor your pet's movements in the house even when you're not around. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the door or window by through an app on your phone.

This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat might wander off from your home, or you're concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. fitting a cat flap in a upvc door Repair My Windows And Doors UK can monitor the health of your pet's health using the app and remotely open their cat flap if they do get into trouble.

You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who can enter and leave. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit old or aggressive and could have difficulty using the traditional flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.

Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they work well to keep the cats of your neighbors away from your home.

Convenience

Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also decrease the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.

If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be affixed to a door or window it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them to use it by offering their favorite food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time but once they've done it start, they should continue to follow the habit.

Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap that recognizes your pet's microchip and lets it to enter. These are more expensive, however they work by putting the magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.

Other models provide various locking options. You can set it to either closed or open and exit only or entrance only. These are useful if you need to control the time your cat comes and goes, especially at night or when you're away. They can be helpful if you are away from home for a long time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.

You can also select an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This lets you control the access and exit of your cat easily. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much safer for your pets and provide more security. Some of these smart flaps include video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Training

If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Based on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to master how to open the flap using a paw or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide which training methods to use. Remember that every cat is different.

Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to try and encourage them by offering them treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions more enjoyable on both you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap because they will be able to see that it brings them closer to the reward at the other side.

Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, including neighboring cats.

If you're unsure whether your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires and provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. They'll also have the security of knowing that they can always return home if they'd like to.

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Pub: 01 Oct 2024 12:22 UTC
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