How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats but only to change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to come and go whenever they like. If they prefer, they can stay in at night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be out hunting late in the night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could prove fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will keep them from getting sick.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as their own, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap may provide security when you are not home for instance, when you go away for the evening or out on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to enter and leave. The app can be shared with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by allowing them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap and beg them to do so each when they do this. Once they are confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market. They all have various features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet so that it can be opened and out easily. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models have intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements through the windows or doors using an app on your phone.
This is useful in case you're worried that your cat may wander too far from home or are concerned about their access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can monitor the health of your pet's health using the app and remotely open their cat flap if they get into any trouble.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to keep your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint), 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, which can be attached to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them through it by using their favourite food. It's not easy to get them through the first time, but once they do begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it in. These are more expensive, but they work by using a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. They can be helpful for those who want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and returns, especially if it's late at night or you're not at home. They may also be useful when you are away from home for a long period of time and need to ensure your cat remains in a safe place.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This allows you to control the entrance and exit of your cat easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much safer for your pets and provide more security. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Depending on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Others may need to be gently enthused and require time to learn to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Examining them from both the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods to use to train them however, keep in mind that all cats are different.
Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it brings them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat starts to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals such as cats in the area.
If cat flap installer near me are unsure if your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can either lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require. It it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also have the security of knowing that they are able to return home if they'd like to.