How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats and block access to other. There are a number of benefits to using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out whenever they want. They can stay inside at night if they wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that might be hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will stop them from being bitten by them.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats out and in - this is a major issue for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap can provide security even when you're not home, such as when you go out for the evening or going on holiday. It connects to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the house and lets you control when they can come in and out via the smart curfew feature you can set. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is important to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so that they can see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. You can praise and reward them every when they do this. Once they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer different features. You should select a cat-flap that is the appropriate size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out easily. You should also search for a durable material that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to access and leave the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, which makes them ideal for homes with several cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the window or door via an app on your phone.
This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat might wander away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely open the cat flap and check your pet's condition using the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to decide who can go in and out. This is especially useful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It also helps to reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them through it if they remain in a shaky state.
It's easy to teach your cat how to make use of a small hinged flap that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, you will be able to make it a habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and lets it to enter. They are more expensive, however, they function by using a magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models come with a variety of locking options that allow you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. These are great if you need to control the time your cat goes and comes particularly at night, or when you're not home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a long time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's entrance and exit easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much more secure for your pet and provide greater security. cat flap glass door installation near me of these flaps also come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat's body to become accustomed to going outside by itself in the event that they've never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new environment very quickly. Some cats will need to be gently urged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or heads. Watching them from the inside and outside can help you work out what methods to use to train them but be aware that all cats are different.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by offering them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap because they will be able to see the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other side.
When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals like cats in the area.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outside world you can always lock them in at night or just leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require. It it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also have the security of knowing that they can always come back home if they want to.