How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap could solve this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats and block access to other. A cat flap has a number of advantages, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to come and go whenever they please. If they prefer, they can stay in at the night. This reduces the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be out hunting late at late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from being bitten by them.
Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats out and in - this is a major issue for pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can provide security when you're away like when you are out for the evening or on holiday. It links to a hub and app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come in and out via a smart curfew feature that you set. You can share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important that you spend time educating 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. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap and praise and reward them every time they do so. Once they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer different features. It's important to choose one that is suitable for the size of your pet, so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. 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 method to monitor your pet's movements within the home even if you're not around. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window using an app on your smartphone.
This is useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander away from home, or you're worried about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can check the status of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they get into any trouble.
cat flap double glazing can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow it to enter when the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also decrease the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be affixed 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 favorite food. It may be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, it should become a habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. They are more expensive, however they work by putting the magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entry only. They are helpful for those who need to regulate the frequency at which your cat comes and goes, especially at night or if you're not home. They are also useful in situations where you're away from home for long periods of time and want to ensure that your cat is in a safe place.
You can also opt for a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're more secure for your pet and provide greater security. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Depending on their personality, some are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide which methods of training to use. But remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side, then call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the learning sessions easier for both of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it brings them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals such as cats in the area.
If you're unsure whether your cat can cope with the outdoors it is possible to put them in a cage at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require, but also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situation in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home if they choose to.