How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their cats out and only to change their minds and come to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access to only authorized cats and deny others access. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to move around whenever they please. If they choose to remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be hunting in the night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat, and so keeping them in at night will keep them from being bitten by them.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for some pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their territory, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
It can also give you peace of mind if you are away from home, for example when you are on vacation or out at night. cat flap installation in glass doors near me links to a hub as well as an app that tracks your pet's movements in and out of the home and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you set. The app can be shared with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and 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 if their collar is within a certain distance. It is essential to spend time training your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it - start by opening the flap so that they can view and sniff around. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap. You can give them praise and rewards each time they do so. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps that are available on the market. They all have various features. It is important to select one that is the proper size for your pet so that it can be opened and out easily. You should also look for a durable material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and deter burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to access and leave the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to install, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movements around the house even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window by through an app on your phone.
This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat could wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely open the flap for your cat and check your pet's health via the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system which gives you more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is particularly useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow entry if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's simple to teach your cat how to utilize a small hinged flap that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time but once you've done it, you will be able to make it a habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. They're more expensive however they work by putting magnets placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep stray animals from entering the property.
Other models have different locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. They can be helpful when you want to regulate your cat's movements when they go out and comes back especially late at night and you're not at home. They may also be useful in situations where you're away from home for long periods of time and want to ensure your cat remains in a safe place.
You can also select a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to become comfortable with going outdoors on its own, especially even if they've not used a flap before. Based on their individual nature, some cats are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will require to be gently urged and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Watching your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best methods of training to use. Remember that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, you should instead attempt to encourage them offering them 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 an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it takes them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them explore their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Certain cats are susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, such as neighboring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outside world it is possible to 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. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. They will also be secure knowing that they are able to return home if they want to.