How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cat out but only to change their minds and want to return within minutes. A cat flap could solve this problem. It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats and deny others access. A cat flap has a number benefits, including: Peace of mind Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out as they please. They can be inside at night if they wish, which will reduce their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who may be out hunting in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that could prove fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will stop them from being bitten by them. Cats are able to enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their homes as a territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat. It can also give you peace of mind if you are away from home, like when you go on vacation or out at night. It is linked to an app and hub that monitors 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 enter and leave. You can also share the app access with family members and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pets while you're away. A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by permitting them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is essential to spend time educating your cat to use the flap especially if they are not familiar with it. Begin by letting the flap open so that they can view and sniff around. Holding out a favourite toy or a treat from either side of flap and encourage and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, gradually close it. Safety There are numerous cat flaps on the market. They all have various features. It is essential to select a cat flap that suits the dimensions of your pet so that they can easily move into and out with no difficulty. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain. Some cat flaps are lockable in various ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. 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 be allowed into and out of the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to programme, making them ideal for homes with several cats. A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pet's movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models come with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the door or window through an app on your phone. This is useful if you're concerned that your cat may wander away from home or you're worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and check on your pet's health via the app. You can also opt for a four way manual locking system which offers more options to decide who can go in and out. This is especially useful for cats that are old or aggressive and could have difficulty using an ordinary flap. This option can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside. Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they work well to keep the cats of your neighbors away from your home. Convenience Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that take place in the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to use it even in case they are in a shaky state. It's easy to teach your cat to utilize a small hinged flap that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It may be difficult to master the process the first time but once they've done it start, they should continue to follow the habit. A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive however, they function by using magnets placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the home. Other models come with a variety of locking options which allow you to make it open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. These can be useful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and comes back, especially if it's late at night and you're not at home. They are useful if you are away from home for an extended period of time and want to be sure your cat is safe. You can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This lets you control the entry and exit of your cat easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection. Training If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap 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 environment very quickly. Certain cats need to be gently urged and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is different. Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, you should instead try to encourage them using treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap and notice that it takes them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap. Once your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. cat flap installation cost is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as neighbouring cats. If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoor world, you could always lock them in at night or just leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation they require, but also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they can always return home should they wish to.