How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their cat out but only to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.

It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. A cat flap has a number benefits, including:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out at any time they wish. If they prefer, they can stay in at the night. This will decrease the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be hunting at night. Many of these animals have diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will keep them from catching them.

Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats out and in - this is a major issue for Cat flaps some pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their territory, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.

A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind when you're away like when you are away for the evening or on holiday. It links to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of the home and lets you control the time they are allowed to come out and in via an intelligent curfew that you set. You can also share the app access with friends and family to ensure that they keep an eye on your pet while you are away.

A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide a further 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 to spend time teaching your cat flap cost how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so they can see the outside world and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or food item from either side of the flap you can give your cat praise and a reward each time it pushes its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, gradually close it.

Safety

There are a myriad of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet so that it can enter and out easily. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flap installers near me flaps (matkafasi.com) that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.

One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movements around the house even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to monitor the movements of your pets through the window or door via an app on your smartphone.

This can be useful when you're worried that your cat may wander too far from home or you're concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.

You can also select a four way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful if your cat is old or aggressive and could struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or if it's raining outside.

Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow it to enter when the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.

Convenience

Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also help reduce the number of accidents that happen in the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.

If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be affixed to a window with cat flap 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 through it by using their favourite food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.

Another option is to use magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes your pet's microchip and lets it to enter. They are more expensive, but they function by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and grant it access to your home. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and stop stray cats from entering your property.

Other models provide various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed with an exit only, or entrance only. They are helpful if you need to control the frequency at which your cat goes and comes, especially at night or when you're not home. They can be helpful if you are away from home for a prolonged period of time and want to be sure that your cat is secure.

You can also select an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated by an app which means you can control your cat's access and exit easily. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much more secure for your pet and offer more security. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.

Training

If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is unique.

Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, you should instead attempt to encourage them offering them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat flap in bifold doors to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it leads them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.

When your cat begins to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can begin introduction to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and make sure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals like neighbouring cats.

If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outdoor world, you could always lock them in at night or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you make sure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also have the security of knowing that they will be able to return home whenever they wish to.