How To Train Your Cat To Use A Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of getting up in the middle night to let their pets out, only to have them change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap could solve this issue.

It works by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats and block access to other. There are a variety of advantages of 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 as they please. If they prefer stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be out hunting late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your glass Cat flap installation near me could contract if not kept in the dark.

Conventional cat flaps also let other cats in and out - this is a major concern for pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only one to access the upvc door panel cat flap and exit.

A microchip cat flap fitters near me flap can even give you peace of mind when you are not home for instance, when you are away for the evening or going on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movement in and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can also share access to the app with family and friends so that they can monitor your pets while you're away.

A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of security to your cat's security by only the ability to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is essential to spend time training your cat to use the flap especially if they are not familiar with it. Begin by letting the flap open so that they can view and sniff around. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap, praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can gradually close it.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It is important to select one that is suitable for the dimensions of your pet so that they can move in and out without any difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.

Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat flap in upvc door cost doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.

Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not present. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the window cat flap or door using an app on your smartphone.

This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat could wander off from your home, or you're worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and check your pet's status through the app.

You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to decide who can go in and out. This is especially useful when your cat is a bit more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow entry only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors out of your home.

Convenience

Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also help reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats also feel 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 if they remain hesitant.

If you have a small hinged panel, which can be fitted to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it by offering their favorite food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time however once you've mastered it, you will be able to make it a habit.

A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. These are 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 can be a good solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the home.

Other models come with a variety of locking options that allow you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. This is useful for those who want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in, especially if it's late at night and you're not at home. They are useful in situations where you're away from home for a long time and want to make sure your cat is safe.

You can also opt for a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated by an app that means you can control your cat's entrance and exit easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're safer for your pets and offer more peace of mind. Some of these smart flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Training

It may take a while for a cat's body to become used to being out on their own if they have never used a flap before. Based on their individual personality, some are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Others may require being gently enthused and require time to learn to open the flap with a paw or head. Observing them from the outside and inside can help you work out what methods to use to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are different.

Instead of forcing your cat to go through 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 flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it takes them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.

When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, like neighbouring cats.

If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outside world, you could always put them in a cage at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they can always return home if they choose to.