How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their pets out but only to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats and deny others access. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out at any time they wish. They can be in the dark if they prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be out hunting during the night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will prevent them from getting sick.
Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their house as a territory or eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for your cat is the only one who can get in and out.
A microchip cat flap could provide security when you're away, such as when you are away for the evening or on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so that they can observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap and beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they're comfortable using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer different features. It is essential to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet so that they can move between the two without difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in various 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 permit only registered cats to enter and exit the house. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to programme, making them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movement inside the house, even if you're not there. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window by via an app on your phone.
This is helpful when you're worried that your cat might wander off from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely open their cat flap if they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly useful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside.
cat flap installers near me opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also decrease the amount of accidents that happen within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be fitted to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and grant it access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options which allow you to make it open or closed, and even exit or entry only. cat flap installers near me can be useful when you want to regulate your cat's movements when they go out and come in, especially if it's late at night or you're not at home. They are also useful in situations where you're away from home for a long period of time and need to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also opt for a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can manage your cat's access and exit easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're safer for your pets and provide more security. Some of these cat flaps 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 outdoors on its own, especially even if they've not used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new situation quickly. Others may require being gentle and encouragable, and will need time to master how to open the flap with a paw or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide which methods of training to use. But remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the flap while using a calm, positive voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outdoor world you can always keep them inside at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they will be able to return home whenever they'd like to.