How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let out their cats and then to change their minds and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.

It works by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats and block access to other. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out as they please. They can stay inside at night if they want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be hunting at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will stop them from catching them.

Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats in and out - this is a big worry 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 cat door will keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.

It can also give you peace of mind when you are away from home, for example when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It is linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements within and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can also share the app access with family and friends so that they can monitor your pets while you're away.

A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add a further layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance of 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 to let them observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap and beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.

Safety

There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the appropriate size for your pet so that it can enter and out without difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.

Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and deter burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to access and leave the house. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to program, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.

A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the door read more or window by through an app on your smartphone.

This is beneficial if you are concerned that your cat could wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely open their cat flap if they get into any trouble.

You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly useful for cats that are old or aggressive and could struggle with an ordinary flap. This is a great option to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or it's raining outside.

Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, read more thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your home.

Convenience

Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.

If you have a tiny hinged panel window with cat flap that can be attached to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them website to use it by offering their favourite food. It can be difficult to get them through the first time but when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.

A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. These are more expensive however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to unlock 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 which allow you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. These are useful for those who need to regulate when your cat goes and comes particularly at night or when you're away. They are also useful when you are away from your home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.

You can also opt for a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pet. Some of these smart flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.

Training

If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it can more info take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Depending on their personality, some are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Examining them from both the outside and inside can help you work out the best methods to train them however, remember that all cats are unique.

Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, try and encourage them by offering them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the cat flap, while speaking in an ebullient, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it takes them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.

When your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and have fun in their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, including neighboring cats.

If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outdoors 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. This lets you ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation they require. It it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also have the security of knowing that they will be able to come back home if they want to.