How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and decide to go to return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem. It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats and deny others access. The flap can provide a variety of benefits, such as: Peace of Mind Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out whenever they want. They can be in the dark if they want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be hunting at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could be fatal for your cat and so keeping them in at night will stop them from being bitten by them. Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats out and in – this is a major issue for some pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their home as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat. A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind when you're away like when you go out for the evening or going on holiday. It links to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of your home and lets you control when they are allowed out and in via an intelligent curfew that you can set. You can also share your app access with family and friends to ensure that they monitor your pets whilst you are away. A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or treat from either side of flap, praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, gradually close it. cat flap installation near me Repair My Windows And Doors There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It is important to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. You should also look for a durable material that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain. Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the house. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to install, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets. Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not there. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements as they walk through the door or window by using an app on your smartphone. This can be useful when you're worried that your cat might wander away from home, or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they do get into trouble. You can also choose a four way manual locking system which offers more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This can also be used to stop your pets coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside. Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow it to enter when the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home. Convenience Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the number of accidents that happen in the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant. If you have a small hinged panel that can be fitted to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them through it by using their favorite food. It may be difficult to master the process the first time, but once they do start, they should continue to follow the habit. A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're more expensive but they work by using magnets around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the property. Other models offer different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close with an exit only, or entry only. This is useful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and comes back particularly late at night or you're not home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for an extended time and want to make sure that your cat is secure. You can also select a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. 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 cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere connected to the Internet. Training It can take some time for a cat to become accustomed to going out on their own in the event that they've never used a flap before. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Certain cats need to be gently urged and taught to open the flap with their paws or head. Observing them from the inside and out will help you figure out what methods to use to train them however, remember that all cats are unique. Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, you should instead attempt to encourage them offering them treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable on both you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will be able to see that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side. Once your cat starts to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introduction to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals like cats in the area. If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outside world you can always lock them in at night or just leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation they require, but also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situations in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be secure knowing that they will be able to return home if they'd like to.