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 their cats out, only to have them change their minds and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats and deny others access. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out whenever they want. They can remain in the dark if they wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who might be out hunting during the night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are out at night.
Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for some pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as their territory, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only one to access the door and exit.
It can also provide peace of mind when you are away from home, like when you go on vacation or out at night. It is linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movement in and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to enter and leave. You can also share the app access with family and friends so that they can monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will add additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is important to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open to let them observe the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat on either side of the flap and praise and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. When they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. You should select one that is the right size for your pet, so that it can be opened and out without difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, making them ideal for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements in the house even when you're not present. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements through the door or window by using an app on your phone.
This is useful if you are concerned that your cat could wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet's health using the app and remotely open their cat flap in case they get into any trouble.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system which gives you more options to decide who can go in and out. This is particularly helpful for those with an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside 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 by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be fitted to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them through it by using their favourite food. It may be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. These are more expensive, but they work by using the magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and stop stray cats from entering your home.
RepairMyWindowsAndDoors provide various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close, exit only, or entrance only. They can be helpful for those who want to control when your cat goes out and comes back particularly late at night or you're not home. They can be helpful if you are away from home for an extended time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's access and exit easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these smart flaps also include video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to get used to being outside by itself if they have never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may need to be gently enthused and require time to master how to open the flap using a paw or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. Remember that every cat is different.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to attempt to encourage them giving them treats. The flap should be opened just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place treats on the other side, then call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat begins to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure 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. This lets you make sure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require, but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home should they wish to.