How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let their cats out, only to have them change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue. It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and deny access to others. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as: Peace of mind Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out at any time they wish. They can remain inside at night if they wish, which will reduce the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that may be out hunting in the night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are left outside at night. Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats inside and out. This is a big worry for some pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as their territory, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can get in and out. A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind when you're away, such as when you are going out for dinner or going on holiday. It links to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of the house and lets you control when they are allowed out and in via an intelligent curfew that you can set. You can also share the app access with family and friends so that they can monitor your pets while you're away. A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is important to spend time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can see the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item on either side of the flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. When they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap. Safety There are a variety of cat flaps available, with many offering different features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet so that they can easily move between the two without 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 variety of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually with a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to programme, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats. The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to track the movements of your pets from the door or window by through an app on your phone. This is helpful when you're worried that your cat could wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely open their cat flap if they do get into trouble. You can also select a four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can enter and exit the room. cat flap installation near me repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or it's raining outside. Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your house. Convenience Access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also decrease the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant. If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be attached to a door or window it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It's not easy to make them go through it the first time, but when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit. Another option is to use magnetic cat flaps, that detects your pet's microchip and lets it to enter. These are more expensive but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. These are a good option for multi-cat households to prevent unwanted animals from entering your property. Other models have different locking options, allowing you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. They are helpful for those who need to regulate the frequency at which your cat goes and comes particularly at night or if you're not home. They can also be helpful when you are away from your home for a long period of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safely indoors. You can also choose 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 in a matter of minutes. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much more secure for your pet and provide more peace of mind. Some of these flaps also come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Training It can take some time for a cat's body to become comfortable with going outdoors on its own, especially if they have never used a flap before. Based on their nature, some are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may require being gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn how to open the flap with a paw or head. Examining your cat from the inside and the outside will help you decide which methods of training to use. But remember that every cat is different. Instead of yelling your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap slightly (not enough to see the other side) and then place a treat on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the learning sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it takes them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap. Once your cat is beginning to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoor world and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable 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 is able to handle the outdoor world it is possible to keep them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be secure knowing that they will be able to return home whenever they want to.