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 cats out but only to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.

It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats and deny others access. A cat flap has a number benefits, including:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out whenever they want. If they prefer stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This reduces the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be hunting at late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could contract if not kept in the dark.

Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats out and in - this is a big worry for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only cat to access the door and exit.

It can also give you peace of mind if you're away from home, for example when you are on vacation or out at night. It links to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of the house and allows you to regulate when they can come out and in via the smart curfew feature you can set. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pet while you are away.

A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. You should spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of the flap, 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 many offering different features. It is important to select a cat flap fitting near me 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 the elements, rain, and claws.

Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats.

A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to monitor your pet's movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to track the movement of your pets through the door or window via an app on your smartphone.

This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat could wander too far from home, or you're worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can track the location of your pet's health using the app and remotely open their cat flap if they get into any trouble.

You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is particularly useful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to deter your pets coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.

Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats from entering your home.

Convenience

Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either side of the flap if they are still unsure.

It's simple to teach your cat flaps for french doors to utilize small hinged flaps that can be affixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time, but once you do you will be able to make it a habit.

Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it to be inserted. They're more expensive however, they function by using a magnet around your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a great choice for households with multiple cats to stop stray animals from entering the property.

Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entrance 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 be helpful in situations where you're away from home for an extended time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.

You can also choose a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated by an app that means you can control your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much more secure for your pet and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection.

Training

If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it can take a while to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Based on their individual nature, some are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Watching them from the inside and outside can help you work out the best methods to train them, but be aware that all cats are different.

Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, try and encourage them by offering them treats. The flap should be opened just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place treats on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions more enjoyable on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat flap fitters learn to use the flap as they will be able to see the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other side.

When your cat begins to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like neighboring cats.

If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outdoors you can always keep them inside at night, or leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it needs, but you can also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home if they want to.