Owning a cat can bring you a lot of pleasure. That is until their nocturnal instincts kick in and they want to roam around at 2am in the morning. If your living arrangements requires you to close all the windows at night, this might cause distress to your cat.
Felines want to go outside whenever it pleases them, whether it is to look for a mouse, visit a neighboring kitten, or just enjoy the night air. Keeping them locked inside will cause some distress. Those who own curious cats will know that meowing in the early hours isn’t an uncommon phenomenon.
Installing a cat door or flap is the perfect solution. Without having to leave multiple windows open of your house, you can train your kitty to use a small door where they can enter and exit as they please.
If your kitty isn’t used to using a door or flap, then follow our step-by-step guide on how you can train them to use it.
Choosing the Perfect Cat Door
Make sure that you choose a flap through which your pet can fit comfortably. Remember that they are going to have to pass through it for the remainder of their life. So, bear in mind their size when they are a fully grown adult.
Materials used for pet doors are plastic and metal. It’s best to find a higher-quality door that won’t rust or have scratchy bits on which your pet can hurt themselves. There are online shops that provides a good a list of cat doors that you can consider purchasing.
Make an Introduction
Felines are curious but cautious. It’s therefore important that, as silly as it might sound, introduce your cat to the new object first before installation. Give them a chance to inspect the door by sniffing and smelling it.
Some cat flaps have microchip sensors in it, in order for you to track your cat’s movements. While your pet is sniffing and expecting, it’s the perfect time to program their microchip with the sensor in the door.
Installation
You need to make sure that the opening is the perfect height. The height of the opening should be the same distance of your feline’s tummy to the floor. Make sure that the opening opens up to an area that has a bit of a shelter.
When the door opens up to a widely open space, your cat might feel scared and vulnerable. Your pet will adapt to using the opening much more when they feel safe entering and exiting.
Another great tip is to add objects like patio furniture, pot plants, or small benches next to the opening. This will give your kitty a chance to hide behind objects when they feel threatened.
Watch this for tips on how to install a flap door.
Tasty Treats
Once the installation is done, bring on the kitty treats. Lure your feline friend with tasty treats. Close the door and leave him on the one side of the door. Put the treats on the other side, while calling him closer. The only way your pet will be able to indulge in the tasty treats will be to pass through the opening.
Do this exercise a few times practicing exiting and entering.
Leave the Flap Open
At first, it will be quite difficult for your furry friend to understand that they have to push the flap open with their head. To help them adjust to this action, prop the flap open with a piece of tape.
Once they are used to moving in and out, you can remove the piece of tape and allow them to figure out how to prop it open with their heads.
Scent
When your furry friend needs a little bit more help to go through the opening. You can use a variety of scenting methods to cheer them on. Wipe a cloth over your cat’s face and then rub their scent all over the door frame and flap.
A familiar smell will encourage them to pass through. Alternatively, you can use catnip spray or leaves to make the object smell more enticing.
If all else fails, consider purchasing an electronic cat door that opens automatically when your pet approaches. These doors are smartly designed to only open for your cat by scanning their microchip. This prohibits unwanted neighboring pets and wildlife to enter your home.
Give your kitty a chance to walk on the wild side by installing a tiny door for them to use. Cats are known to find their way back home from miles away. Giving them the freedom to roam around outside, while you keep the windows closed, will keep them happy and entertained.
As long as you train them well, your kitty won’t be meowing at the window for you to get up at 2am to open up.
About Jammie Morey
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