How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

· 6 min read
How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cat out but only to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap could solve this problem.

It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. There are a variety of benefits to having a flap for your cat that include:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to move around whenever they want. They can stay in their home at night if want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that might be hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will keep them from catching them.

Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for some pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their territory, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.

visit site  gives 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 connects to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of the house and enables you to control the time they are allowed to come out and in via an intelligent curfew that you set. You can share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.

A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by allowing them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. You should spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or treat on either side of the flap and give your cat praise and a reward each time it puts its head through. When they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.

Safety

There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. It is important to select one that is the right size for your pet so that it can be opened and out easily. You should also look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.

Certain cat flaps are lockable in various ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using the peg that fits inside the lock or opt for microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to install, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.

The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models have smart technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements as they walk through the windows or doors through an app on your smartphone.

This is useful in the event that you are worried that your cat may wander off from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they do get into trouble.

You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to enter and leave. This is especially useful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and be unable to use a traditional flap. This can be used to deter your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in when the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.

Convenience

Access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.

If you have a small hinged panel, which can be attached to a window or door, it's simple enough 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 might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, the practice will become habitual.

A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're more expensive however they work by putting the magnet on your pet's neck to open 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 choose to lock it open or close with an exit only, or entrance only. These can be useful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and comes back particularly late at night or you're not home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a long time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.

cat flap installation in glass doors near me  can also choose a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's access and exit easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater security and are more secure for your pet. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of going outside on their own. Based on their individual nature, some cats are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to learn how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Watching them from the outside and inside can help you work out the best methods to train them however, be aware that all cats are unique.

Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to attempt to encourage them offering them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then open the flap. Call your cat through the cat flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it takes them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.

When your cat begins to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoors and let them experience 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 like neighbouring cats.

If you're not sure whether your cat is able to cope with the outdoors, you can either lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be secure knowing that they can always return home whenever they want to.