How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their cats out, only for them to change their minds and decide to go to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap could solve this issue. It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. There are many advantages of having a cat flap that are: Peace of mind Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to go and come whenever they want. If they choose to, they can stay in at night. This reduces the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be hunting at night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if out at night. Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats inside and out. This is a big worry for pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat. It can also provide peace of mind when you're away from home, for example when you go on vacation or go out at night. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can also share access to the app with family and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away. A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an extra layer of security to your cat's security by only allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is essential to spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it – start by opening the flap to let them see and sniff the outside world. Holding out a favourite toy or treat from either side of flap and encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap. Safety There are a myriad of cat flaps available with a variety of features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet, to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. You should also look for a hard-wearing material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain. Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to access and leave the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to install, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets. One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements through the windows or doors by using an app on your smartphone. This is helpful in the event that you are worried that your cat could wander away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely lock the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's health via the app. You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is especially helpful for cats that are old or aggressive and could be unable to use the traditional flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside. Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip, and allow it to enter when the pet is registered. Repair My Windows And Doors keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats from entering your home. Convenience Having unrestricted access to the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also help reduce the amount of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either side of the flap if they are still unsure. If you have a small hinged panel, which can be attached to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them through it by using their favourite food. It can be difficult to get them through the first time but once they've done it start, they should continue to follow the habit. Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap which recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. They're more expensive, but work by using a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap, granting access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they stop stray cats from entering your property. Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open with an exit only, or entrance only. This is useful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and returns, especially if it's late at night or you're not home. They are useful when you're away from home for a long time and you want to make 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 via an app. This allows you to manage the access and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater security and are safer for your pet. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection. Training If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will need to be gently urged and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or head. Examining them from both the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them but keep in mind that every cat is unique. Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place an item on the other 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 using a calm, positive voice. This will aid your cat in learning to utilize the flap since they will realize that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other end. When your cat begins to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as neighbouring cats. If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outside world you can always lock them in at night or leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it requires, but you can also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They'll also feel secure knowing they can always return home should they wish to.