How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cats out and only to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap can help 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 offers number of advantages, including:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to come and go whenever they want. If they choose to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be hunting in the late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat might contract if left outside at night.

Conventional cat flaps also let other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming 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, so your cat is the only one to access the door and exit.

It can also give you peace of mind when you're away from home, for example when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It connects to a hub as well as an app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house and lets you control when they can come out and in via a smart curfew feature that you set. The app can be shared with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.

A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an extra layer of protection to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is crucial to spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not familiar with it. Begin by letting the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item on either side of the flap and praise and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer various features. You should select one that is the right size for your pet so that it can be opened and out easily. You should also look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.

Some cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.

A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the door or window by using an app on your smartphone.

This is helpful in the event that you are worried that your cat could wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely lock the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's status through the app.

You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially helpful if your cat is aggressive or older and may struggle with the traditional flap. This method can be used to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it is raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to keep your neighbour's cats getting into your house.

Convenience

Access to the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it when they are still uneasy.

If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be affixed to a door or window 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 to use it by offering their favorite food. It can be difficult to master the process the first time but once they do start, they should continue to follow the habit.

A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive but they work by using magnets on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a good option for multi-cat households to prevent unwanted animals from entering your property.

Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open with an exit only, or entrance only. These are great for those who need to regulate when your cat is in and out particularly at night, or when you're away. They can be helpful if you are away from home for a long time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.

You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This lets you control the entry and exit of your cat easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much safer for your pets and provide more security. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere connected to the Internet.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it can take a while to get them used to the idea of being out on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new environment very quickly. Others might require to be gently encouraged and need time to learn to push the flap open using a paw or head. Observing them from the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them, but be aware that every cat is unique.

Instead of yelling your cat to walk through wall cat flap the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier for both you and your upvc cat flap door panels. This will help your cat learn how to utilize the flap since they will see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other end.

Once your cat flap in upvc door panel cat flap door cost; made my day, starts to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introduction to the outdoor environment and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Certain cats are susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, such as cats that live nearby.

If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outside world you can always lock them in at night or just leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also have the security of knowing that they are able to return home whenever they wish to.