How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let out their cats and then to change their minds and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue. It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats and deny others access. There are a variety of benefits to using a cat flap. These include: Peace of mind Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to move around whenever they please. They can stay inside at night if they wish, which will reduce the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that may be out hunting at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal for your cat and so keeping them in at night will keep them from catching them. Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats out and in – this is a big worry for some pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home as their territory, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat. A microchip cat flap may provide security when you are not home like when you are away for the evening or on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements within and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. The app can be shared with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets when you're away. A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key can provide an additional layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is crucial to spend time training your cat to use the flap, particularly if they aren't 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 treat from either side of flap and give your cat praise and a reward each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it. Safety There are many different cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer different features. It is important to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet so that they can move between the two without difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable product that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain. Some cat flaps are lockable in various ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to install, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple. Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not present. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window through an app that you can download on your phone. This is useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander away from home, or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can track the location of your pet using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they get into any trouble. You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. cat flap install is particularly helpful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside. Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip, and allow entry if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they work well to keep the cats of your neighbors away from your house. Convenience Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain plants such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage – these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to go through it even in case they are uneasy. If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be affixed to a door or window it's easy enough to teach your cat 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 can be difficult to get them through the first time but once they do, they should take up the habit. A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive but they work by using a magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a great choice for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property. Other models come with a variety of locking options, allowing you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. They are helpful when you want to control the frequency at which your cat is in and out particularly at night, or if you're not home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from home for long periods of time and want to ensure your cat remains safe inside. You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This lets you control the access and exit of your cat with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more security and are more secure for your pets. Some of these smart flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet. Training It may take a while for a cat to become used to being outdoors on its own, especially if they have never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may need to be gently enthused and require time to learn how to open the flap using a paw or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide which methods of training to use. But remember that every cat is unique. Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead try to encourage them using treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it takes them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap. Once your cat starts to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start introduction to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals such as neighbouring cats. If you're unsure whether your cat is in a position to handle the outdoors, you can 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 will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situations in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home if they want to.