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 but only to change their minds and decide to go to return within minutes. A cat flap can help solve this issue. It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. There are a variety of advantages of using a cat flap. These include: Peace of Mind Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out whenever they want. Repair My Windows And Doors can remain in their home at night if want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be hunting during the late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from catching them. Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats out and in – this is a major issue for pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can 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 access the door and exit. A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind when you are not home, such as when you go out for the evening or out on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will 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 are away. A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only allowing them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap and praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they feel confident you can gradually close the flap. Safety There are many cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet, so that it can be opened and out without difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws. Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple. A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Some models come with smart technology that enables you to track your pets' movements as they walk through the windows or doors by using an app on your phone. This is useful if you are concerned that your cat could wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely open the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's condition using the app. You can also select a four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially helpful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and have difficulty using a traditional flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or if it is raining outside. Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great way to keep your neighbour's cats from entering your home. Convenience Access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of plants like cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage – these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to use it even if they remain in a shaky state. It's simple to teach your cat to make use of a small hinged flap that can be attached to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to go through with their favorite food. It can be difficult to get your cat through the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual. Another option is to use magnetic cat flaps, which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it in. They're more expensive but they work by using a magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats as they keep out stray cats out of the home. Other models offer different locking options. You can set it to open or close and exit only or entrance only. These are great when you want to control the frequency at which your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or when you're not home. They are also useful when you are away from your home for extended periods of time and want to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors. You can also choose a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This allows you to manage the entrance and exit of your cat with ease. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these smart flaps even include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection. Training It may take a while for a cat to become comfortable with going outside by itself even if they've not used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new environment very quickly. Certain cats need to be gently urged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. Remember that every cat is unique. Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side, then call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the learning sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to utilize the flap since they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward on the other end. Once your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Some cats could be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like neighbouring cats. If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outdoors you can always put them in a cage at night or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require. It also gives them a way to escape any stressful situation in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to return home if they wish to.