How To Train Your Cat To Use A Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let out their cats but only to change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap (recent post by www.diggerslist.com) solves this issue.

It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats access and block access to other cats. There are many advantages to having a cat flap installer near me flap that are:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out whenever they want. They can remain in their home at night if wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who may be out hunting at late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat could contract if out at night.

Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats out and in - this is a major concern for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their territory, 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 to access the door and exit.

A microchip cat flap can provide security when you're away for instance, when you are out for the evening or going on holiday. It links to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of your home and allows you to regulate when they are allowed in and out via an intelligent curfew that you can set. You can also share access to the app with family and friends so that they can monitor your pets whilst you are away.

A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide a further layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is essential to spend time educating your cat to use the flap especially if they are not familiar with it. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap. Then beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they are confident using the flap, slowly close it.

Safety

There are many cat flaps available, with many offering different features. It is essential to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet, so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. You should also search for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws and rain.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and prevent burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, making them perfect for homes with several cats.

The main benefit 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. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to track your pet's' movements when you walk through the door or window using an app on your phone.

This is useful in case you're worried that your cat could wander away from home or are concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they do get into trouble.

You can also select the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can go in and out. This is especially helpful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can also be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow entry only if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good way to prevent your neighbour's cats from entering your home.

Convenience

Being able to access the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats are also drawn by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. These can be placed on either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.

It's simple to teach your cat to use a small hinged flap that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to go through wall cat flap by using their preferred food. It can be difficult to teach your cat the first time however once you've mastered it, you will be able to make it a habit.

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

Other models offer different locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open with an exit only, or entrance only. They can be helpful if you want to control when your cat goes out and come in especially late at night or you're not at home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a long time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.

You can also choose an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit with ease. 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 cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gently encouraged and need time to learn how much to install a cat flap to open the flap using a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is unique.

Instead of yelling your cat to go through the flap, you should 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. Call your cat through the flap while maintaining an ebullient, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will see that it brings them closer to the reward at the other side.

Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introducing them to the outdoors and let them experience their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, like neighboring cats.

If you're not sure if your cat can cope with the outdoor world, you could always keep them inside at night, or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be secure knowing that they can always come back home if they want to.