How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their pets out and only to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this issue. It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. There are a variety of advantages of having a cat flap that include: Peace of mind Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out at any time they wish. If they choose to remain inside, they can do so at night. This reduces the chances of them being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal to your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will stop them from getting sick. Cats can enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their house as their territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat. A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you go away for the evening or out on holiday. It links to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the home and allows you to regulate when they are allowed in and out via an intelligent curfew that you set. It is possible to share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you're away. A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key can provide additional security by only allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it. Start by letting the flap open to let them see and smell the world around them. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap and beg them to do so each time they do it. Once they're confident with the flap, you can slowly close it. Safety There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer various features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the size of your pet so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws. Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to enter and exit the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets. The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window via an app on your smartphone. This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander too far from home or you're concerned about their access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely lock the flap for your cat and check your pet's health via the app. You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is especially useful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with an ordinary flap. This method can be used to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or it is raining outside. Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow it to enter only if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors out of your home. Convenience Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant. If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be fitted 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 to use it by offering their favorite food. It's not easy to master the process the first time but once they've done it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit. Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap, that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it in. They are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant it access to your home. These are a good option for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property. cat flap installation cost near me offer different locking options. You can set it to open or close, exit only, or only for entrance. They are helpful when you want to control the time your cat goes and comes, especially at night or when you're not home. They may also be useful when you are away from home for long periods of time and need to ensure that your cat is in a safe place. You can also opt for a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can manage your cat's access and exit with ease. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're more secure for your pet and provide greater security. Some of these smart flaps include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere connected to the internet. Training If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it can take a while to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new environment very quickly. Some cats will require to be gently urged and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or heads. Watching your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide which training methods to employ. Remember that every cat is different. Instead of yelling your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place a treat on the other side, then call them through the flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap. Once your cat starts to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them explore their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Some cats could be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, including neighbouring cats. If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outdoors you can always lock them in at night, or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it requires, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll be able to return home should they wish to.