How To Train Your Cat To Use A Cat Flap
Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of waking in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out and then to change their mind and want to return later. A cat flap can help solve this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. There are a number of advantages to using a cat flap. These include:
Peace of Mind
cat flap fitters flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. They can be inside at night if they want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that might be out hunting at late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could prove fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will stop them from catching them.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats out and in - this is a big worry for some pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat upvc door panel cat flap will keep out other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind when you're away, such as when you go going out for dinner or out on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by only permitting them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is crucial to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap especially if they're not familiar with it. Begin by letting the flap open so that they can see and sniff around. Holding out a favourite toy or food item from either side of flap and encourage and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. When they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available with a variety of features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet so that it can enter and out without difficulty. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or 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 multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not present. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to track the movement of your pets through the window or door via an app on your phone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat might wander too far from home or are concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely unlock the cat flap and check your pet's status through the app.
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 useful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard 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.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also help to reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them through it if they remain hesitant.
It's easy to teach your cat to use a small hinged flap that can be fixed to a upvc door panels cat flap or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through with their preferred food. It's not easy to make them go through it the first time, but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap in upvc door panel flap can also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive however they work by putting a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give access to your home. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. These are great when you want to control the time your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or when you're not home. They can be helpful if you are away from home for a prolonged time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flap Bifold doors flaps, however they provide more peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these flaps also have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new situation quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to master how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Watching them from the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them but remember that all cats are unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it brings them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like neighbouring cats.
If you are unsure whether your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. This lets you make sure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home if they choose to.
