Benefits
Cat doors, also known as cat flaps, provide a means for your cat to come and go between the indoors and outdoors. A basic cat door is generally inexpensive and easy to install.
Cat doors offer designs with a wide range of features, such as to be able to adjust the access available. For example, you might only want the cat door open during the day and locked at night. Or, you might want the cat door to only operate in one direction at a certain time
Types of lockable cat doors
• Simple locking cat door – you operate the lock yourself, choosing when to let your kitten in or out. This type of cat door doesn't discriminate between who can use it. That means the neighbour's cat might also pay your home a visit!
• Electro-magnetic cat door – activated automatically by a special magnet on your kitten’s collar. This type of cat door does rely on your cat not losing their collar.
• Micro-chip cat door – activated automatically by your kitten’s unique micro-chip. This has the advantage of not relying on a special tag on your cat's collar as their microchip is under their skin.
Early wariness
Some kittens can be a little suspicious of the cat door at first, and might need your help to gain confidence when using it. The noise the door makes as it shuts can be scary, as can the feel of the door as it touches the cat’s back on the way through.
Tips to help
• Fit the cat door at the right height for your kitten to step through – this is usually about 6cm above the bottom of the door
• Let your kitten have a good sniff and explore around the area
• To begin with, prop open the cat door slightly and tempt your kitten through it with treats and food
• Try gently lifting your kitten up towards the cat door to demonstrate what you expect them to do
With a little practice, and lots of positive reinforcement, your kitten will soon be using their cat door. A whole new world of feline adventures await!