How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out but only to change their minds and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can help solve this issue.

It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats access and block access to other cats. There are a variety of advantages to using a cat flap. These are:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to come and go whenever they please. They can remain inside at night if they want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that may be out hunting at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from getting sick.

Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for some pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as their territory, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.

It can also provide peace of mind when you are away from home, such as when you are on vacation or go out at night. It is linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will 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 pets while you are away.

A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by allowing them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is crucial to spend time teaching your cat flap installers near me to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by opening the flap so that they can view and sniff the outside world. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer various features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet so that they can move between the two without difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in various ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to install, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.

The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movements around the house even when you're away from home. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements through the door or window using an app on your smartphone.

This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat may wander away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely lock the cat flap and check on your pet's health via the app.

You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is particularly helpful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside.

Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.

Convenience

Access to the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to use it even when they are still uneasy.

It's simple to teach your cat to make use of the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through with 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.

A magnetic glass cat flap Installation near me flap can also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive, but they work by using a magnet around your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the property.

Other models come with various locking options. You can set it to open or close, exit only, or only for entrance. These are great for those who need to regulate the time your cat goes and comes particularly at night or when you're not home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from your home for extended periods of time and need to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.

You can also opt for a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can manage your cat's access and exit easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much more secure for your pet and offer more peace of mind. Some of these smart cat flap fitters near me flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection.

Training

It may take a while for a cat to become comfortable with going out on their own if they have not used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new environment very quickly. Certain cats need to be gently encouraged and taught to open the flap using their paws or heads. Examining them from both the outside and inside can help you determine the best methods to train them but be aware that every cat is unique.

Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the cat flap, while speaking in an ebullient, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to utilize the flap since they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward at the other end.

When your cat starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and take advantage of their newfound freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and ensure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats in the area.

If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outside world it is possible to lock them in at night or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it needs, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that could occur in the home. They will also have the security of knowing that they can always return home whenever they wish to.