How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners know the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night to let their pets out, only to have them change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem. It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats and block access to other. There are a number of advantages to using a cat flap. These are: Peace of mind Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they want. They can stay in their home at night if prefer, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that may be out hunting at night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if not kept in the dark. Cats are able to enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their homes as their territory or eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat. A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you are out for the evening or out on holiday. It connects to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of the home and enables you to control when they are allowed out and in via a smart curfew feature that you set. You can also share the app access with family and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pet while you are away. A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key can provide a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance of it. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. Then give them praise and rewards each when they do this. Once they're confident with the flap, gradually close it. Safety There are a variety of cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer different features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the dimensions of your pet so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. Look for a durable 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 the peg that fits inside the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple. A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to track the movements of your pets through the window or door using an app on your smartphone. This is useful when you're worried that your cat could wander away from home, or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely lock the cat flap and check your pet's status through the app. You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can access and exit the door. This is especially helpful if your cat is old or aggressive and could struggle with a traditional flap. This is a great option to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it is raining outside. Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great method to stop your neighbor's cats from getting into your home. Convenience Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it if they remain hesitant. It's simple to teach your cat how to use small hinged flaps that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through by using their preferred food. It may be difficult to master the process the first time but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit. Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it in. These are more expensive, but they work by using a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. These are a great choice for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property. Other models come with various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed with an exit only, or entrance only. These can be useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and comes back, especially if it's late at night or when you're not home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a long time and want to make sure that your cat is secure. cat flap fitters repairmywindowsanddoors can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated by an app that means you can control your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much safer for your pets and provide more peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection. Training It can take time for a cat to get comfortable with going outdoors on its own, especially in the event that they've never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new situation very quickly. Certain cats need to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Watching them from the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods to use to train them however, remember that all cats are unique. Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Open the flap a little (not enough to see the other side) and place treats on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap and notice that it leads them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap. Once your cat starts to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like cats that live nearby. If you're not sure if your cat is able to handle the outside world you can always keep them inside at night or just leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations around the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home should they wish to.