How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners know the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night by a call to let their cats out but only to change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap solves this issue. It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. There are a variety of benefits to having a cat flap that are: Peace of mind Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out whenever they want. If they choose to stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This will decrease the chances of them being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be hunting in the night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are not kept in the dark. Cats are able to enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors cats to annoy their pets, mark their homes as a territory, eat their food, or get into fights with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only cat to get in and out. It can also provide peace of mind if you're away from home, like when you go on vacation or go out at night. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. The app can be shared with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet while you're away. A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is important that you spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not familiar with it. Begin by leaving the flap open to let them see and sniff around. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap. Then beg them to do so each time they do it. Once they are confident you can gradually close the flap. Safety There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet so that it can be opened and exit easily. You should also search for a durable material that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain. Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to access and leave the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple cats. A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models have smart technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements as they walk through the door or window by using an app on your phone. This is helpful if you are concerned that your cat could wander away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and check on your pet's condition using the app. You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who is able to enter and leave. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may have difficulty using an ordinary flap. This option can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside. Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip, and allow entry only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great way to keep your neighbour's cats from entering your home. Convenience Access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also help to reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure. If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be fitted to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them to use it by offering their favourite food. It's not easy to get them through the first time, but when they've mastered it start, they should continue to follow the habit. A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. These are more expensive, but they work by using the magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a great choice for multi-cat households to prevent stray animals from entering the property. Other models come with various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed, exit only, or entry only. They are helpful when you want to control the frequency at which your cat goes and comes, especially at night or when you're not home. They are useful in situations where you're away from home for a long time and want to make sure that your cat is secure. You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This lets you manage the entrance and exit of your cat with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much safer for your pets and offer more security. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection. 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 going out on their own. Based on their nature, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or heads. Watching cat flap install from the inside and outside can help you determine what methods to use to train them however, keep in mind that all cats are different. Instead of yelling your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Call your cat through the flap while maintaining a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn how to utilize the flap since they will realize the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other end. When your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals like cats that are in the vicinity. If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outdoor world you can always keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you ensure that they get all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home if they want to.