How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let out their cats and then to change their mind and want to return later. A cat flap can help solve this problem. It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats access and deny access to others. There are a number of advantages to using a cat flap. These are: Peace of Mind Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out whenever they want. If they prefer remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be out hunting late in the late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat could contract if not kept in the dark. Conventional cat flaps also allow 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 home as their own, eating 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 then unlocking it only for your cat. It can also give you peace of mind if you're away from home, for example when you are on vacation or out at night. It connects to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the house and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come out and in via an intelligent curfew that you can set. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you're away. A microchip cat flap that has an infrared or magnetic collar key will add a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it. Start by letting the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. Encourage www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap. You can praise and reward them every time they do it. When they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap. Safety There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer various features. You should select a cat-flap that is the right size for your pet so that it can be opened and exit easily. You should also search for a durable material that can withstand paws claws and rain. Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple pets. Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movements in the house even when you're not present. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to track the movement of your pets through the door or window using an app on your phone. This can be useful if you're concerned that your cat could wander too far from home or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they get into any trouble. You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is especially useful for those with an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might be unable to use a traditional 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 scan the pet's chip, and allow entry when the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats out of your home. Convenience Access to the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also decrease the number of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain herbs such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to go through it even when they are still uneasy. It's easy to teach your cat how to use a small hinged flap that can be affixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It can be difficult to get them through the first time, but once they've done it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit. Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap which recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. These are more expensive but work by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give access to your home. These are a good option for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property. Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to make it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. These are great when you want to control the frequency at which your cat is in and out particularly at night or when you're away. They may also be useful if you're away from home for a long period of time and want to ensure your cat remains safely indoors. You can also select an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This allows you to manage the entry and exit of your cat with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater security and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart flaps even come with video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Training If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it can take a while to get them used to the idea of going outside on their own. 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 allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Examining them from both the inside and out can help you work out what methods to use to train them however, keep in mind that all cats are different. Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by giving them treats. Place 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 an ebullient, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it takes them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap. When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoors and let them explore their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity. If you're unsure whether your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to ensure that they get all the exercise and enrichment they require, but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll always be able to return home if they want to.