How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of getting up in the middle night to let out their cats but only to change their minds and decide to return later. A cat flap can solve this problem.

It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats and deny others access. A cat flap has a number of advantages, including:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to go and come whenever they want. If they want to stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This will decrease the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be hunting at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could prove fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will prevent them from getting sick.

Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for some pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only one who can get in and out.

It also gives you peace of mind if you are away from home, like when you are on vacation or out at night. It is linked to an app and hub that track 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.  cat flap in upvc door panel  can also share access to the app with friends and family so that they can monitor your pets whilst you are away.

A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by allowing them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important that you spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it - start by leaving the flap open so that they can view and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.

Safety

There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. You should select a cat-flap that is the appropriate size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and deter burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.

Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not present. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to track your pets' movements as they walk through the window or door by using an app on your smartphone.

This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat may wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's status through the app.

You can also select a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat who might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets from coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip and only allow entry if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.

Convenience

Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also decrease the amount of accidents that happen within the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain plants such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even when they are still in a shaky state.

If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be attached to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It may be difficult to make them go through it the first time but once they do, they should take up the habit.

Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. These are more expensive, however, they function by using magnets on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.

Other models come with a variety of locking options that allow you to make it open, closed, exit only or entry only. This is useful if you want to control your cat's movements when they go out and comes back, especially if it's late at night or when you're not at home. They are useful in situations where you're away from home for a long time and want to make sure your cat is safe.

You can also choose an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated by an app that means you can control your cat's access and exit with ease.  cat flap fitting near me  are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more peace of mind and are safer for your pet. Some of these smart flaps also come with video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.

Training

It may take a while for a cat to become used to being outside by itself in the event that they've never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new experience quickly. Others may require being gently encouraged and need time to master how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Examining them from both the inside and outside can help you determine what methods you can use to train them but keep in mind that all cats are different.

Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Call your cat through the flap while maintaining an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it leads 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 roam around the outside and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Some cats could be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like neighboring cats.

If you're unsure whether your cat is in a position to handle the outdoors, you can keep 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 make sure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it requires and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.