How To Train Your Cat To Use A Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out, only to have them change their minds and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.

It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. There are a variety of advantages to having a cat flap in bifold doors flap that are:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps help to keep your cat flap bifold doors secure and safe by allowing them in and out whenever they want. If they want to, they can stay in at the night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be hunting in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will prevent them from getting sick.

Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats in and out - this is a big worry for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their territory, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.

A microchip Cat flap (willysforsale.Com) can even give you peace of mind when you're away like when you are going out for dinner or going on holiday. It links to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements into and out of the home and enables you to control the time they are allowed to come out and in via a smart curfew feature that you can set. You can also share access to the app with family and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pet while you are away.

A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide a further layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is important to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so that they can see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each time they do so. When they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.

Safety

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

Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to programme, making them ideal for homes with several cats.

The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pets movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window by using an app on your phone.

This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat could wander too far from home or are concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they are in trouble.

You can also choose the four-way manual locking system, which offers more options to control who can go in and out. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat that may struggle with a standard flap. This option can also be used to stop your pets coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.

Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thereby keeping out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good way to prevent your neighbour's cats from entering your home.

Convenience

Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the scent of plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to go through it even in case they are hesitant.

If you have a small hinged panel, which can be attached to a upvc door panel with cat flap fitted or window it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their favorite food. It can be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.

Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap, that recognizes your pet's microchip and lets it in. These are more expensive however they work by putting an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and give it access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the home.

Other models come with different locking options that allow you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. These are useful for those who need to regulate when your cat goes and comes, especially at night or if you're not home. These can be useful in situations where you're away from home for an extended time and want to make sure your cat is safe.

You can also choose a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's access and exit without difficulty. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much more secure for your pet and offer more security. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection.

Training

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

Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it takes them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.

Once your cat is beginning to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as cats that live nearby.

If you are unsure if your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it needs, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that may occur in the home. They will also be secure knowing that they are able to come back home if they wish to.