How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of waking in the middle night to let out their cats but only to change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem. It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats and block access to other. There are a number of advantages of having a flap for your cat that are: Peace of Mind Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to move around whenever they want. They can stay in their home at night if prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that may be out hunting during the night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may catch if they are left outside at night. Cats can get in and out through conventional cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their house as a territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat. A microchip cat flap can provide security even when you're not home, such as when you are away for the evening or on holiday. It links to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of your home and enables you to control when they can come out and back in using the smart curfew feature you set. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you are away. A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by permitting 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 cat flap installers near me Repair My Windows And Doors UK so that they can view and smell the world around them. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap. Then praise and reward them every time they do so. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it. Safety There are many cat flaps available with a variety of features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws. Certain cat flaps can be locked in various ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, making them ideal for homes with several cats. One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to track the movements of your pets from the door or window by through an app on your smartphone. This is useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander away from home or you're worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely open the cat flap and check on your pet's health via the app. You can also select the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or it's raining outside. Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thus keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your house. Convenience Access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also decrease the amount of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants like 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 to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them through it by using their favorite food. It can be difficult to get them through the first time but once they do begin, they will be able to adopt the habit. A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. These are more expensive but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant it access to your home. These are a great choice for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property. Other models have different locking options, allowing you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entry only. They can be helpful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and come in especially late at night or when you're not home. These can be useful if you are away from home for a long time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure. You can also choose a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater security and are safer for your pet. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet. Training If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, 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 adjust to the new situation quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or head. Watching them from the inside and out can help you work out the best methods to train them, but remember that all cats are different. Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it brings them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap. Once your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as neighboring cats. If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outdoor world, you could 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. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may occur in the home. They will also have the security of knowing that they can always come back home if they'd like to.