How To Train Your Cat To Use A Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their pets out, only for them to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.

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

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out whenever they want. They can stay in their home at night if want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be hunting in the night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are out at night.

Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats inside and out. This is a big worry for some pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only cat to access the upvc door panels with cat flap and exit.

A microchip cat flap may provide security even when you're not home, such as when you go going out for dinner or out on holiday. It connects to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home and enables you to control when they are allowed out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you set. It is possible to share the app 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 with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide additional security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it - start by letting the flap open to let them see and sniff around. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap and beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they are confident using the flap, you can gradually close it.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. You should select a cat-flap that's the appropriate size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out without difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable product that can withstand paws claws, and rain.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, making them perfect for homes with several cats.

One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the window or upvc door panel with cat flap through an app on your smartphone.

This is useful if you are concerned that your cat could wander away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can track the location of your pet's health using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they are in trouble.

You can also choose a four-way manual locking system which gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is especially helpful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and have difficulty using an ordinary flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or when it is raining outside.

Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a pet's chip, and let it in if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good way to prevent your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.

Convenience

Access to the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also 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, catnip, and clary sage. These can be placed either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.

If you have a small hinged panel that can be affixed to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it by offering their favorite food. It can be difficult to get your cat through the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.

Another option is to use magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. They're more expensive however, they function by using magnets placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.

Other models have different locking options which allow you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entry only. They are helpful when you want to control the frequency at which your cat goes and comes particularly at night or when you're away. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and need to ensure that your cat stays safe inside.

You can also opt for a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's access and exit with ease. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and offer more security. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection.

Training

If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, 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 adapt to the new experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide which methods of training to use. Remember that every cat is unique.

Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, you should instead try to encourage them using treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to see the other side) and place treats on the other side. 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 allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it takes them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.

Once your cat starts to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat flap installation cost to ensure that they are safe out there. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like cats that live nearby.

If you're unsure whether your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that could occur in the home. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they will be able to return home whenever they want to.