How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their cat out and only to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can help solve this issue. It works by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. There are many advantages to having a cat flap that are: Peace of mind Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to go and come whenever they want. They can remain inside at night if they want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be out hunting during the late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could prove fatal for your cat and therefore keeping them inside at night will stop them from getting sick. Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats in and out – this is a big worry for some pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one to get in and out. A microchip cat flap can provide security when you're away, such as when you go out for the evening or on holiday. It connects to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of the home and enables you to control when they are allowed out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you can set. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you are away. A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so that they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or treat from either side of the flap, encourage 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 myriad of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. It is important to select one that is the appropriate size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and out without difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable product that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain. Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to install, making them ideal 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. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements when you walk through the window or door by using an app on your phone. This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat might wander away from home, or you're concerned about their access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and check your pet's condition using the app. You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that offers more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This can be used to deter 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 only allow entry if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house. Convenience Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also help reduce the amount of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the scent of plants like cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to use it even when they are still hesitant. It's easy to teach your cat to utilize small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through using their preferred food. It may be difficult to master the process the first time, but once they've done it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit. A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, however, they function by using a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. upvc door panel replacement cat flap are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property. Other models come with different locking options that allow you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. These are useful for those who need to regulate when your cat goes and comes particularly at night or when you're away. They are also useful in situations where you're away from home for a long period of time and you need to ensure that your cat is safe inside. You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This lets you control the access and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet. Training If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Depending on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may require being gently enthused and require time to master how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. Remember that every cat is different. Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, try and encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap slightly (not enough to see the other side) and place treats on the other side, then call them through the flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the training sessions more enjoyable for both of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it takes them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap. Once your cat is beginning to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as neighbouring cats. If you're not sure if your cat is able to handle the outdoors it is possible to lock them in at night or just leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also have the security of knowing that they can always come back home if they'd like to.