How To Train Your Cat To Use A Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night by a call to let their cats out, only to have them change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can help solve this issue.

It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and deny access to others. There are a number of advantages to using a Cat flap Step flap. These include:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to move around whenever they like. They can remain inside at night if they want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that may be out hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat flap installation cost, and so keeping them in at night will keep them from getting sick.

Cats can enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their house as territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.

A microchip cat flap can provide security when you are not home for instance, when you are away for the evening or on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.

A cat-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 certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open to let them see the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of flap, encourage and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. When they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.

Safety

There are a myriad of cat flaps available with a variety of features. It's important to choose one that is suitable for the size of your pet, to allow them to move into and out with no 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 secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually with a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats.

Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not there. Certain models come with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window by via an app on your smartphone.

This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat could wander too far from home, or you're worried about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely open their cat flap if they do get into trouble.

You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is particularly helpful for those with an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets from coming in if they're unwell 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 keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats out of your home.

Convenience

Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also decrease the number of toileting accidents that happen within 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 if they remain hesitant.

If you have a small hinged panel that can be affixed to a upvc door panels with cat flap or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them to use it by offering their favourite food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.

A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They're more expensive, but they function by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and give access to your home. These can be a good solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the home.

Other models have different locking options, allowing you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entry only. These are useful when you want to control the time your cat flap glass door installation near me goes and comes particularly at night or if you're not home. These can be useful if you are away from home for an extended time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.

You can also select a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated by an app which means you can control your cat's access and exit with ease. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much safer for your pets and provide more peace of mind. Some of these flaps also include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and taught to open the flap using their paws or head. Watching them from the inside and outside can help you work out what methods you can use to train them but keep in mind that all cats are different.

Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, attempt to encourage them using treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you 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 brings them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.

When your cat starts to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and enjoy their newfound freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are safe outdoors as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals such as cats that are in the vicinity.

If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoor world you can always put them in a cage at night, or leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be secure knowing that they will be able to come back home if they wish to.