How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

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Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cats out, only for them to change their minds and come to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap solves this problem.

It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. The flap can provide a variety of benefits, such as:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. If they want to remain inside, they can do so at night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will prevent them from catching them.

Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for some pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for your cat is the only one to get in and out.

It also gives you peace of mind when you are away from home, for example when you are on vacation or out at night. It connects to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of your home and lets you control when they can come in and out via the smart curfew feature you can set. You can also share access to the app with family and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pet while you are away.

A microchip cat flap that has an infrared or magnetic collar key can provide additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is important to spend time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so that they can see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap. Then beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. You should select one that is the right size for your pet so that it can be opened and exit easily. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.

Certain cat flaps are lockable in various ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with several cats.

Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not around. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to track your pet's' movements when you walk through the window or door by using an app that you can download on your phone.

This is useful if you are concerned that your cat might wander off from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat flap should 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 especially helpful for cats that are aggressive or older and may have difficulty using a traditional flap. This is a great option to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it is raining outside.

Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective way to keep your neighbour's cats getting into your house.

Convenience

Access to the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of more info 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 through it in case they are in a shaky state.

It's easy to teach your cat how to use a small hinged flap that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and check here encourage them to walk through by using their favorite food. It may be difficult to make them go through it the first time, but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.

A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, but work by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give access to your home. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the property.

Other models more info come with various locking options. You can set it to open or closed and exit only or entrance only. This is useful for those who want to control your cat's movements more info when they go out and comes back, especially if it's late at night or when you're not at home. They can also be helpful if you're away from your home for long periods of time and need to ensure your cat remains safely indoors.

You can also choose a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's access and exit easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much more secure for your pet and offer more security. Some of these flaps also have video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new experience very quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap with their paws or heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. 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 an item on cat flap step the other side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the cat flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.

Once your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them roam around the outside and have fun in their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like cats in the area.

If you're unsure whether your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. This lets you ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation they require, but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home should they wish to.