How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
cat flap in upvc door panel have experienced the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let their cats out but only to change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats and deny others access. There are a number of benefits to having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to move around whenever they want. They can remain inside at night if they wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be hunting in the late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could catch if they are out at night.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats out and in - this is a big worry for some pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind when you're away for instance, when you are out for the evening or going on holiday. It links to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of your home and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and in via a smart curfew feature that you set. You can also share the app access with family members and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by permitting them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open to let them observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer different features. It is important to select one that is the appropriate size for your pet so that it can be opened and out without difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to enter and exit the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to set up, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movement within the home even if you're not around. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to track the movement of your pets through the door or window by using an app on your smartphone.
This is useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander away from home or are worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can monitor the health of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.
window with cat flap can also select a four way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat who might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow it to enter if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they work well to keep your neighbors' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of plants such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to go through it even when they are still hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be attached to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them to use it by offering their favourite food. It may be difficult to master the process the first time, but once they do, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. These are more expensive however they work by putting an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models have different locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. These can be useful when you want to regulate the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in especially late at night or when you're not home. They are also useful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and need to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.
You can also select an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater security and are more secure for your pet. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat to become accustomed to going out on their own even if they've not used a flap before. Based on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap with their paws or head. Watching them from the inside and out will help you figure out what methods to use to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are different.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, try to encourage them offering them treats. cat flap in upvc door panel treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the cat flap while using a calm, positive voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it leads them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start introduction to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure whether your cat can cope with 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 make sure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it needs however, you should also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in the home. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they will be able to come back home if they'd like to.