How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let out their cats and then to change their minds and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem. It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. There are a number of advantages to having a cat flap that include: Peace of mind Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to move around whenever they like. If they choose to, they can stay in at the night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be hunting in the night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could be fatal for your cat and so keeping them in at night will prevent them from catching them. Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats in and out – this is a major concern for some pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their territory, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat. A microchip cat flap can provide security when you're away like when you are out for the evening or out on holiday. It links to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the house and lets you control when they are allowed out and in via the smart curfew feature you can set. You can also share the app access with family and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pet while you are away. A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can 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 crucial to spend time training your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it. Start by letting the flap open so that they can view and sniff the outside world. By distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of the flap and praise and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, you can slowly close it. Safety There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market. A lot of them come with various features. It is important to select one that is the right size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and out easily. You should also look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws claws, and rain. Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to install, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets. One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to monitor your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets through the door or window by via an app on your smartphone. This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat may wander too far from home, or you're worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can track the location of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they get into any trouble. You can also select a four-way manual locking system which gives you more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is especially helpful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and be unable to use an ordinary flap. This can be used to deter your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside. Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats out of your home. Convenience Being able to access the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also help to reduce the number of accidents that take place within the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant. If you have a small 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 opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them through it by using their favorite food. It can be difficult to master the process the first time but when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit. A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. These are more expensive, however, they function by using a magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a good option for multi-cat households to prevent stray animals from entering the property. Other models come with different locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. These are useful if you need to control the frequency at which your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or if you're not home. They are also useful if you're away from home for extended periods of time and need to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place. You can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This lets you control the entrance and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much more secure for your pet and provide more security. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection. Training If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to learn how to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Examining them from both the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods to use to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are unique. Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, it's better to try and encourage them by using treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. cat flap installer will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it takes them closer to their 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 in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like neighboring cats. If you're not sure whether your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can either lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it requires however, you should also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that may arise in your home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home if they want to.