How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners know the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let their pets out but only to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats access and deny access to others. There are many advantages to having a flap for your cat that are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out at any time they wish. They can stay in the dark if they wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that might be hunting during the late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are not kept in the dark.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats out and in - this is a major issue for some pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only cat to access the door and exit.
It can also give you peace of mind if you're away from home, for example when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It links to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the home and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and in via the smart curfew feature you set. You can also share access to the app with family and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of security to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is important that you spend time teaching your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by opening the flap so that they can view and smell the world around them. Holding out a favourite toy or food item from either side of flap and praise and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps on the market. They all have various features. It is important to select one that is the proper size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with several cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pets movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window by via an app on your smartphone.
This is useful if you are concerned that your cat could wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. fitting a cat flap in a upvc door can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely open their cat flap in case they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to deter your pets coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It also helps to reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of herbs such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them through it in case they are uneasy.
It's easy to teach your cat to use a small hinged flap that can be affixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to walk through by using their preferred food. It can be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, it should become a habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. They're more expensive, but work by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap, granting access to your home. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats as they keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models offer various locking options. You can set it to either closed or open and exit only or entry only. These are great if you need 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 when you are away from your home for long periods of time and want to ensure that your cat is safely indoors.
You can also select an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled via an app. This allows you to manage the entrance and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these smart flaps also have video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.
Training
It may take a while for a cat's body to become accustomed to going outside by itself even if they've not used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new situation very quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap with their paws or heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling at your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Call your cat through the flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat is beginning to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're not sure if your cat can cope with the outdoor world, you could always put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it requires and provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that may occur in the home. They'll also feel secure knowing they can always return home should they wish to.