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 pets out, only for them to change their minds and decide to go to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can help solve this issue.

It operates by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats and deny others access. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out whenever they want. If they prefer, they can stay in at the night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be hunting in the night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.

Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their house as their territory, eat their food, or fight with their cats. 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 one to get in and out.

It also gives you peace of mind if you're away from home, like when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It's linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements within and outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to leave and enter. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.

A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide a further layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance from it. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then give them praise and rewards each time they do it. Once they are confident using the flap, you can gradually close it.

Safety

There are many different cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer different features. You should select a cat-flap that is the appropriate size for your pet so it can be able to enter and out without difficulty. You should also search for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws, claws and rain.

Certain cat flaps are lockable in various ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock or opt for microchip cat flap in bifold doors doors that only allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with several cats.

One of the major advantages 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 that lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the upvc door panel replacement cat flap or window via an app on your smartphone.

This is beneficial if you are concerned that your cat might wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely open the cat flap and monitor your pet's condition using the app.

You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that offers more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit more aggressive or if they are older and have difficulty using an ordinary flap. This is a great option to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.

Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they work well to keep your neighbours' cats away from your house.

Convenience

Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain herbs such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it when they are still uneasy.

It's easy to teach your cat to utilize small hinged flaps that can be affixed to a replacement upvc door panels with cat flap or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It's not easy to make them go through it the first time, but once they've done it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.

Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap, which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it to be inserted. They're more expensive but they work by using magnets placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These are a good option for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.

Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entry only. They can be helpful when you want to regulate when your cat goes out and come in, especially if it's late at night or when you're not at home. They may also be useful when you are away from your home for extended periods of time and need to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.

You can also select a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated by an app that means you can control your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much more secure for your pet and provide more security. Some of these smart flaps even include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Based on their personality, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or heads. Observing them from the inside and outside will help you figure out the best methods to train them, but remember that all cats are unique.

Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Prop the flap open just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side, then call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will be able to see that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side.

Once your cat starts to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals, such as the cats in the area.

If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outdoors you can always lock them in at night or just leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat flap bifold doors gets the enrichment and exercise that it requires and provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home if they choose to.