How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night by a call to let their cats out, only to have them change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to move around whenever they want. They can be in their home at night if want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be hunting at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will prevent them from catching them.
Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their house as territory, eat their food, or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap could provide security even when you're not home like when you go away for the evening or out on holiday. It connects to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of your home and lets you control the time they are allowed to come in and out via a smart curfew feature that you set. You can also share your app access with family members and friends to ensure that they monitor your pets while 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 only the ability to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so that they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or treat on either side of the flap and encourage and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet so that they can easily move in and out without any difficulty. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to monitor your pet's movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to track the movements of your pets from the door or window via an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat may wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can track the location of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they do get into trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who is able to enter and leave. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or it is raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip, and let it in when the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of herbs such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it in case they are uneasy.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be affixed 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 encouraging them to use it by offering their favorite food. It may be difficult to make them go through it the first time, but when they've mastered it start, they should continue to follow the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They are more expensive, however, they function by using a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. These are a good option for families with multiple cats to keep stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to make it open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. These are useful when you want to control the frequency at which your cat comes and goes particularly at night or if you're not home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a long period of time and want to be sure that your cat is secure.
You can also choose an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's access and exit easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more peace of mind and are safer for your pet. Some of these cat flaps have 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 can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new environment very quickly. Certain cats need to be gently urged and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or heads. Examining them from both the outside and inside can help you work out the best methods to train them but be aware that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by using treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Call your cat through the cat flap while using a calm, positive voice. This will aid your cat in learning to utilize the flap since they will see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other end.
Once your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are safe out there. cat flap installer could be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat can cope with the outside world it is possible to keep them inside at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it requires however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in your home. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.