How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out, only to have them change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can help solve this problem. It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are a variety of advantages to using a cat flap. These are: Peace of Mind Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to come and go whenever they please. They can be inside at night if they wish, which will reduce their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that might be out hunting during the night. These animals could carry deadly illnesses that your cat may catch if they are not kept in the dark. Cats can enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want their neighbors cat to bother their pets, mark their homes as their territory and eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit. A microchip cat flap can provide security even when you're not home for instance, when you are away for the evening or on holiday. It's 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 regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet when you're away. A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is important that you 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 view and smell the world around them. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat on either side of the flap, encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, you can gradually close it. Safety There are a variety of cat flaps on the market. A lot of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet, so that it can enter and out without difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand rain, paws and claws. Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple cats. Microchip cat flaps are a great way to monitor your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not around. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the window or door using an app on your smartphone. This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat may wander off from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they do get into trouble. You can also select a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you greater control over who is able to enter and leave. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat who may struggle with a standard flap. This option can also be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside. Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thereby keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors out of your home. Convenience Access to the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also help reduce the amount of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of plants like cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage – these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even if they remain hesitant. If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be attached to a window or door it's easy 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 favourite food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time, but when they've mastered it start, they should continue to follow the habit. Another alternative is to opt for magnetic cat flaps, which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it in. They are more expensive, but they function by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. These are a great choice for households with multiple cats to stop 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 entry only. These can be useful for those who want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and returns especially late at night or you're not home. They may also be useful if you're away from your home for long periods of time and need to ensure that your cat stays safe inside. You can also select an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's entry and exit easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection. Training It can take time for a cat to become accustomed to going out on their own if they have never used a flap before. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or head. Examining your cat from the inside and from the outside can help you decide what methods of training to use. But remember that every cat is unique. Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to attempt to encourage them using treats. Prop the flap open just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and place treats on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to utilize the flap since they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward on the other end. When your cat begins to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and make sure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals such as neighbouring cats. If you're not sure if your cat can cope with the outdoor world you can always keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that may arise in your home. cat flap in upvc door cost 'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home if they want to.