How To Train Your Cat To Use A Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and come to return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.

It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. There are many advantages of having a cat flap that include:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat flap installation bristol secure and safe by letting them in and out whenever they want. They can be in their home at night if prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that may be out hunting at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal to your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will stop them from being bitten by them.

Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats out and in - this is a big worry for some pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as their own, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for your cat is the only one to get in and out.

A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind when you're away for instance, when you go going out for dinner or on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movement in and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to enter and leave. You can also share the app access with family and friends so that they can monitor your pet while you are away.

A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will add an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is essential to spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it - start by leaving the flap open so that they can view and sniff around. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. Then beg them to do so each when they do this. When they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.

Safety

There are many cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is essential to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet, to allow them to move in and out without any difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand rain, paws and claws.

Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits 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, making them perfect for homes with several cats.

The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models come with smart technology that enables you to monitor your pets' movements through the window or composite door cat flap by using an app that you can download on your phone.

This can be useful when you're worried that your cat might wander off from your home or are concerned about their 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 get into any trouble.

You can also select a four way manual locking system, which gives you more options to control who can access the door and when. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that may struggle with a standard 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 opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip, and allow it to enter if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.

Convenience

Access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also decrease the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant.

If you have a small 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 opposite side of the flap and guiding them through it by using their favourite food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time however once you've mastered it, it should become a habit.

Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap, that recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're more expensive but they work by using the magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and stop stray cats from entering your property.

Other models have different locking options, allowing you to make it open or closed, and even exit or entry only. They can be helpful for those who want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and returns especially late at night and you're not at home. They may also be useful when you are away from home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure your cat remains in a safe place.

You can also choose an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much more secure for your pet and provide more peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it can take a while to get them used to the idea of going outside on their own. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap with their paws or head. Observing your cat flap step from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best methods of training to use. Remember that every cat is unique.

Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by giving them treats. The flap should be opened just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and then place a treat on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions more enjoyable for both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it brings them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.

When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them enjoy their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals like neighbouring cats.

If you are 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 so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. This will allow you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation that they need but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also have the security of knowing that they are able to return home whenever they want to.