How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. A cat flap has a number of advantages, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to move around whenever they like. If they want to, they can stay in at night. This reduces the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from getting sick.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats in and out - this is a big worry for some pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for your cat is the only one to get in and out.
It also gives you peace of mind when you're away from home, like when you go on vacation or out at night. It's connected to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by allowing them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is crucial to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it. Start by opening the flap to let them see and sniff around. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap. You can praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available, with many offering different features. You should select a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet's needs so it can be able to enter and out easily. You should also search for a durable product that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movement of your pets through the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial if you are concerned that your cat might wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely lock the flap on your cat's door and check your pet's status through the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This is a great option to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip and only allow it to enter if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good way to keep your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's easy to teach your cat to utilize a small hinged flap that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to go through by using their preferred food. It's not easy to master the process the first time but once they do begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. cat flap fitters repairmywindowsanddoors , however they work by putting an electronic device attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap, granting access to your home. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed, exit only, or entry only. These are useful when you want to control the time your cat is in and out, especially at night or if you're not home. They may also be useful in situations where you're away from home for long periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.
You can also choose a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This allows you to manage the entrance and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. 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 smart flaps even have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
It can take some time for a cat's body to become comfortable with going outside by itself if they have not used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new experience very quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Watching your cat from both the inside and from the outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. But remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them giving them treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side, then call them through the flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the learning sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap because they will be able to see that it brings them closer to the reward at the other end.
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 take advantage of their newfound freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals such as cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure if your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it needs and provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home should they wish to.