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 cats out, only for them to change their minds and come to return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem. It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats and block access to other. There are a number of advantages of having a cat flap that include: Peace of Mind Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. If they choose to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This will decrease the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could prove fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from catching them. Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats in and out – this is a big worry for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their home as their own, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only cat to get in and out. It can also provide peace of mind if you are away from home, like when you are on vacation or out at night. It's connected to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movement in and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet while you're away. A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Begin by leaving cat flap fitters to let them see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each when they do this. Once they're confident with the flap, you can gradually close it. Safety There are a variety of cat flaps on the market. They all have various features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the size of your pet, to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. You should also look for a durable material that can withstand paws claws and rain. Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and deter burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually with a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that only 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 multiple pets. The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Some models have intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the door or window using an app on your smartphone. This is helpful if you are concerned that your cat may wander too far away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can track the location of your pet's health using the app and remotely open their cat flap in case they are in trouble. You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you greater control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to deter your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside. Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thus keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great way to keep your neighbour's cats from entering your home. Convenience Access to the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that happen in the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of herbs such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage – these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to go through it even in case they are hesitant. If you have a small hinged panel that can be fitted 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 master the process the first time but once they've done it, they should take up the habit. Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, but they function by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the property. Other models have different locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entry only. These can be useful when you want to regulate your cat's movements when they go out and returns, especially if it's late at night or you're not at home. These can be useful when you're away from home for an extended time and you want to make sure your cat is safe. You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated by an app that means you can control your cat's entry and exit with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more peace of mind and are safer for your pet. Some of these flaps even include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location 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 for them to get accustomed to the idea of being outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and taught to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide on the best methods of training to use. But remember that every cat is different. Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them offering them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the cat flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap. When your cat starts to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as neighboring cats. If you're not sure if your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can either lock them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. They'll also have the security of knowing that they are able to come back home if they'd like to.