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 cats out and only to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats access and deny access to others. There are a number of advantages of using a cat flap. These include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to move around whenever they please. They can remain in the dark if they want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who may be out hunting in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will keep them from catching them.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for your cat is the only one to get in and out.
A microchip cat flap can provide security when you are not home for instance, when you are away for the evening or out on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that track your pet's movements within and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. You can share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only the ability to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap open to let them see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then beg them to do so each time they do it. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It's important to choose the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet so that they can move in and out without any difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to program, which makes them ideal for homes with several cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models have intelligent technology that allows you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the windows or doors through an app on your phone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat may wander off from your home or you're concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's status through the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who is able to enter and leave. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit old or aggressive and could be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. how much to install a cat flap can be put either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat to make use of small hinged flaps that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through using their favorite food. It might 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.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They're more expensive however, they function by using magnets placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. These are a great choice for multi-cat households to prevent unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed and exit only or only for entrance. These are great when you want to control when your cat comes and goes, especially at night or when you're not home. They may also be useful in situations where you're away from home for long periods of time and want to ensure that your cat stays safe inside.
You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This allows you to control the entrance and exit of your cat with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much more secure for your pet and offer more security. Some of these smart flaps also include video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new situation very quickly. Others may require being gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn how to open the flap using a paw or head. Examining your cat from the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. Remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the cat flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap and notice that it leads them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them explore their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Certain cats are susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, including cats that live nearby.
If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outdoor world it is possible to keep them inside at night, or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation they require. It 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 be secure knowing that they can always return home whenever they'd like to.
