How To Train Your Cat To Use A Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cats out and only to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.

It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats in and restrict access to all other cats. There are many advantages to using a cat flap. These 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. If they prefer stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This will reduce the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be out hunting late in the night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could contract if not kept in the dark.

Conventional cat flaps also let other cats out and in - this is a big worry for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as their territory, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.

A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind even when you're not home, such as when you go going out for dinner or out on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movement in and outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. You can also share the app access with friends and family to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away.

A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an extra layer of protection to your cat Flap step's security by only the ability to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is crucial to spend time educating your cat to use the flap especially if they're not familiar with it. Begin by opening the flap so that they can see and sniff around. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap and beg them to do so each time they do it. Once they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.

Safety

There are a myriad of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. You should select a cat-flap that is the appropriate size for your pet so that it can enter and exit easily. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.

Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to install, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.

One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movements around the house even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the window or door using an app on your phone.

This is a great option when you're worried that your cat could wander away from home, or you're concerned about their access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can monitor the health of your pet's health using the app and remotely lock their double glazing cat flap flap if they get into any trouble.

You can also choose a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can go in and out. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat flap cost who might struggle with a traditional flap. This is a great option to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or when it is raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, keeping other cats out. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.

Convenience

Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also reduce the number of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put either side of the flap if they are still unsure.

If you have a small hinged panel, which can be attached to a upvc door panel cat flap or window it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them through it by using their favourite food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time, but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.

Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap, which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it in. They are more expensive, however, they function by using a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.

Other models come with different locking options which allow you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entry only. These can be useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and returns especially late at night or you're not at home. They may also be useful when you are away from your home for extended periods of time and want to ensure your cat remains safe inside.

You can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This lets you manage the access and exit of your cat with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater security and are safer for your pets. Some of these flaps even come with video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.

Training

If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new environment quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to master how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Watching them from the inside and out will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them, but be aware that all cats are unique.

Instead of yelling at your cat to go 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 speaking in an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap because they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward at the other end.

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 experience their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.

If you're not sure if your cat flaps for french doors can cope with the outside world it is possible to lock them in at night or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it needs however, you should also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in the home. They will also be secure knowing that they are able to come back home if they want to.