How To Train Your Cat To Use A Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.

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

Peace of mind

Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to come and go whenever they like. They can stay inside at night if they want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that may be out hunting during the night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could be fatal for your cat and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from being bitten by them.

Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their homes as territory, eat their food, or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for your cat is the only cat to access the upvc door panels with cat flap and exit.

It also gives you peace of mind when you're away from home, like when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It links to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of the home and lets you control when they are allowed out and in via the smart curfew feature you can set. The app can be shared with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.

A double glazing cat flap-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of security to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it - start by leaving the flap open so that they can view and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap. Then beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they're confident with the flap, gradually close it.

Safety

There are numerous cat flaps on the market. A lot of them come with different features. You should select a cat-flap that's the appropriate size for your pet so it can be able to enter and out easily. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from entering. You can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter the house. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.

The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor the movement of your pets through the upvc door panels cat flap or window by via an app on your smartphone.

This can be useful if you're concerned that your cat may wander too far from home or are concerned about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely open the flap on your cat's door and monitor your pet's status through the app.

You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially helpful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and be unable to use a traditional flap. This 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 a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thereby keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they work well to keep your neighbours' cats out of your home.

Convenience

Access to the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also help to reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Cats are also attracted 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 if they remain hesitant.

It's simple to teach your cat how to make use of the small hinged flap that can be affixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through using their preferred food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.

Another alternative is to opt for magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it in. These are more expensive but work by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and grant access to your home. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent stray animals 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. They can be helpful if you want to control your cat flap fitters's movements when they go out and comes back, especially if it's late at night and you're not at home. These can be useful if you are away from home for a prolonged time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.

You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's access and exit without difficulty. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart Cat flap step flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet.

Training

It may take a while for a cat to get used to being outdoors on its own, especially even if they've not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new environment very quickly. Some cats will require to be gently urged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Watching them from the inside and out will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them but be aware that all cats are different.

Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, you should instead try to encourage them offering them treats. Prop the flap open just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and 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 more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to use the flap because they will realize the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other side.

Once your cat is beginning to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoor environment and let them experience their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals like cats that are in the vicinity.

If you're not sure if your cat is able to handle the outside world you can always lock them in at night, or leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it needs and provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. They'll also have the security of knowing that they can always return home if they'd like to.