How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their cat out but only to change their minds and come to return within minutes. A cat flap could solve this issue. It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. A cat flap has a number benefits, including: Peace of mind Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to move around whenever they like. They can remain in their home at night if want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will prevent them from being bitten by them. Cats are able to enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their homes as a territory and eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat. It can also provide peace of mind when you're away from home, for example when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet when you're away. A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not familiar with it. Begin by opening the flap so that they can view and sniff around. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat on either side of the flap and encourage and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they feel confident you can gradually close the flap. Safety There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market. They all have various features. It is important to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet, to allow them to move in and out without any difficulty. You should also look for a durable material that can withstand paws claws, and rain. Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and deter burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to access and leave the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to programme, making them perfect for homes with several cats. One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Some models come with smart technology that enables you to track your pets' movements as they walk through the window or door through an app that you can download on your phone. This is beneficial if you are concerned that your cat could wander off from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and check on your pet's status through the app. You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that offers more options to control who can access the door and when. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit more aggressive or if they are older and have difficulty using an ordinary flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside. Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good way to prevent your neighbour's cats from entering your home. Convenience Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them through it in case they are uneasy. If you have a small hinged panel, which can be attached to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it by offering their favourite food. It may be difficult to make them go through it the first time but once they've done it, they should take up the habit. Another option is to use magnetic cat flaps, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. These are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep stray animals from entering the property. Other models come with different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close and exit only or entry only. These can be useful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and returns particularly late at night or you're not home. They may also be useful when you are away from your home for long periods of time and want to ensure that your cat stays safe inside. You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This lets you manage the access and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these flaps even come with video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection. Training It can take time for a cat's body to become used to being out on their own in the event that they've never used a flap before. Based on their nature, some are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to learn to open the flap using a paw or head. Watching them from the outside and inside can help you work out what methods to use to train them however, be aware that every cat is unique. Instead of yelling cat flap installation near me to go through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the flap while maintaining a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap as they will see that it brings them closer to the reward on the other end. When your cat begins to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like neighbouring cats. If you're unsure whether your cat is able to cope with the outdoors, you can keep your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it needs however, you should also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could occur in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll be able to return home if they want to.