How To Train Your Cat To Use A Cat Flap
Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats but only to change their minds and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats and deny others access. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out whenever they want. If they prefer, they can stay in at the night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be hunting at night. Many of these animals have diseases that could be fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from being bitten by them.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats out and in - this is a major concern for pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home as their territory, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap may even give you peace of mind when you're away, such as when you go away for the evening or going on holiday. It connects to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements into and out of the home and enables you to control when they are allowed in and out via a smart curfew feature that you can set. The app can be shared with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted doors with cat flap an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide a further layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance from it. You should spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each when they do this. When they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet so that it can enter and exit easily. You should also look for a durable product that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and stop burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to monitor your pet's movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movement of your pets through the upvc door panel cat flap or window via an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat may wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely open the flap on your cat's door and check on your pet's health via the app.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system that offers more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is especially helpful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great way to keep your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that occur within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be attached to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time, but once you do you will be able to make it a habit.
Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. They're more expensive, but work by using an electronic device attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant it access to your home. These are a great choice for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entry only. These are useful if you need to control when your cat flap glass door installation near me comes and goes particularly at night, or if you're not home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from home for a long period of time and want to ensure your cat remains in a safe place.
You can also select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This allows you to control the entrance and exit of your cat easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps (https://blogfreely.net) have video monitoring, and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat to get accustomed to going out on their own even if they've not used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new environment very quickly. Others may require being gently encouraged and need time to learn how to open the flap with a paw or head. Examining them from both the inside and out can help you work out what methods to use to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are different.
Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, it's better to try and encourage them by using treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side, then call them through the flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to utilize the flap since they will be able to see that it brings them closer to the reward on the other end.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and make sure they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals such as cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outside world it is possible to put them in a cage at night, or leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you ensure that they get all the exercise and enrichment they require, but also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be secure knowing that they will be able to return home if they wish to.