How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of getting up in the middle night to let their pets out, only to have them change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap could solve this issue. It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. There are a variety of advantages of having a cat flap that include: Peace of mind Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to move around whenever they please. They can be in their home at night if want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be hunting in the night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat might contract if not kept in the dark. Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats out and in – this is a big worry for pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit. A microchip cat flap may even give you peace of mind when you're away for instance, when you are away for the evening or going on holiday. It connects to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements into and out of the house and lets you control when they are allowed out and back in using the smart curfew feature you can set. 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 that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will add an additional layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is important that you spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it. Start by opening the flap to let them see and sniff the outside world. Holding out a favourite toy or food item on either side of the flap and praise and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident then you can gradually close the flap. Safety There are many different cat flaps that are available on the market. Many of them offer different features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the size of your pet so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand rain, paws and claws. Certain cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple. One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window through an app on your smartphone. This can be useful when you're worried that your cat could wander away from home, or you're concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and check your pet's condition using the app. You can also select a four way manual locking system which offers 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 the traditional flap. cat flap installation near me is a great option to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or it is raining outside. Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, blocking other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house. Convenience Access to the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that happen in the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage – these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it in case they are hesitant. If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be fitted to a window or door, it's simple enough 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's not easy to get them through the first time but once they've done it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit. A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive but work by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they stop stray cats from entering your property. Other models provide various locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open with an exit only, or only for entrance. They can be helpful if you want to control your cat's movements when they go out and come in, especially if it's late at night or you're not at home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from home for long periods of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safe inside. You can also choose a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart flaps even come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet. Training It can take some time for a cat to get used to being outdoors on its own, especially if they have never used a flap before. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may need to be gently enthused and require time to learn how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Watching them from the inside and out will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them however, be aware that all cats are different. Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, attempt to encourage them using treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the flap while using a calm, positive voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap because they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other side. Once your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as neighbouring cats. If you're unsure whether your cat can cope with the outside world you can always lock them in at night, or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situation in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be secure knowing that they are able to return home whenever they wish to.