How To Train Your Cat To Use A Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and decide to go to return within minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.

It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats and block access to other. There are many advantages to having a cat flap that include:

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. They can remain inside at night if they want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be hunting in the night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will prevent them from being bitten by them.

Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats out and in - this is a major issue for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one to access the door and exit.

A microchip cat flap may even provide peace of mind when you are not home like when you are going out for dinner or going on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can also share your app access with family and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets while you're away.

A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will add a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance from it. You should spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open to let them observe the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item on either side of the flap and encourage and reward your cat flap cost every time it pushes its head through wall cat flap. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.

Safety

There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet so that they can move in and out without any difficulty. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, making them ideal for homes with several cats.

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. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the window with cat flap or door using an app on your phone.

This is a great option 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 check the status of your pet using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they are in trouble.

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

Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip, and let it in if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.

Convenience

Being able to access the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also decrease the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.

If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be fitted to a door or window it's easy enough to teach your cat how much to install a cat flap to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, you will be able to make it a habit.

Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap, that recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. They are more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting access to your home. These are a good option for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property.

Other models come with different locking options that allow you to make it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. They can be helpful when you want to regulate your cat's movements when they go out and comes back, especially if it's late at night and you're not at home. These can be useful in situations where you're away from home for a long time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.

You can also choose an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's entry and exit with ease. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet.

Training

If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it can take a while to get them used to the idea of being out on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new situation very quickly. Others may need to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide which methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat is unique.

Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, attempt to encourage them giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then open the flap. Call your cat through the flap, while speaking in an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it leads them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.

When your cat begins to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor environment and cat Flap let them explore their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.

If you're unsure if your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it needs and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that may arise in your home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll always be able to return home if they want to.