How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this issue. It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as: Peace of Mind Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out as they please. If they want to remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be hunting at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal for your cat and so keeping them in at night will stop them from catching them. Cats can get in and out through conventional cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their homes as a territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for your cat is the only one to be able to enter and exit. A microchip cat flap may provide security when you are not home for instance, when you are out for the evening or going on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets when you're away. A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by the ability to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of the flap, praise and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, you can gradually close it. Safety There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It is important to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand rain, paws 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 using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to access and leave the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with several cats. Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not present. Some models have smart technology that enables you to track your pets' movements as they walk through the windows or doors by using an app on your smartphone. This is helpful if you are concerned that your cat could wander off from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely lock the flap for your cat and check your pet's status through the app. You can also choose the four-way manual locking system, which offers more options to decide who can go in and out. This is particularly helpful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or when it is raining outside. Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors out of your home. Convenience Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that occur within the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary Sage – these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to use it even if they remain uneasy. If from this source have a small hinged panel that can be fitted to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them through it by using their favorite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, it should become a habit. A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and give it access to your home. These are a good option for families with multiple cats to keep stray animals from entering the property. Other models come with various locking options. You can set it to either closed or open, exit only, or only for entrance. These are great for those who need to regulate the time your cat comes and goes, especially at night or when you're away. These can be useful if you are away from home for a long time and want to make sure that your cat is secure. You can also select an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This allows you to manage the access and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much more secure for your pet and offer more security. Some of these smart flaps include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere connected to the internet. Training It may take a while for a cat to get comfortable with going outdoors on its own, especially in the event that they've never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new situation quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to learn how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. But remember that every cat is different. Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the cat flap, while speaking in an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap and notice that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap. When your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure that they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as cats in the area. If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outdoor world, you could always lock them in at night, or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it requires and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that may occur in the home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home if they choose to.