How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of waking 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 could solve this issue.

It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out as they please. If they choose to remain inside, they can do so at the night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be out hunting late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are out at night.

cat flap fitting near me  can also allow other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for some pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for your cat is the only one to access the door and exit.

A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you are away for the evening or going on holiday. It links to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house and allows you to regulate when they can come out and back in using a smart curfew feature that you can set. You can also share the app access with family and friends so that they can monitor your pets while you're away.

A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will add an additional layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance from it. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so that they can see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke 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 when they do this. Once they are confident then you can gradually close the flap.

Safety

There are many different cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer various features. It is important to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet so that they can move in and out without any difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.

Certain cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with several cats.

Microchip cat flaps are a great method to monitor your pet's movements in the house even when you're not present. Some models have smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window using an app on your smartphone.

This is beneficial if you are concerned that your cat may wander away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can check the status of your pet using the app and remotely open their cat flap should they get into any trouble.

You can also choose a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is especially useful when your cat is a bit old or aggressive and could have difficulty using the traditional flap. This method can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus keeping other cats out. 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

Access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that take place within the home. Many cats are also drawn by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.

If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be affixed to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them through it by using their favorite food. It might be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, it should become a habit.

Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. These are more expensive however they work by putting an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting it access to your home. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep stray animals from entering the property.

Other models come with different locking options which allow you to make it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. These are great if you need to control when your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or if you're not home. They may also be useful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.

You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This lets you manage the access and exit of your cat with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater security and are more secure for your pets. Some of these smart cat flaps come 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 can take a while to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new environment very quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. But remember that every cat is different.

Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them offering them treats. The flap should be opened just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the learning sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other end.

When your cat begins to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals like cats in the area.

If you're unsure whether your cat can cope with the outside world it is possible to keep them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it requires and provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home if they want to.