How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cats out, only to have them change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. Repair My Windows And Doors UK has a number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out whenever they want. If they prefer remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be hunting in the late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could catch if they are not kept in the dark.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their territory, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for your cat is the only cat to access the door and exit.
A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind even when you're not home like when you are away for the evening or on holiday. It links to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house and lets you control the time they are allowed to come in and out via the smart curfew feature you can set. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide additional security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is essential to spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not familiar with it. Begin by opening the flap to let them see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer different features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window through an app on your phone.
This can be useful if you're concerned that your cat could wander away from home or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat flap if they are in trouble.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is particularly useful when your cat is a bit more aggressive or if they are older and have difficulty using a traditional flap. This can be used to deter your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they work well to keep your neighbours' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also decrease the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also drawn by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's easy to teach your cat to make use of the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through by using 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 could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. These are more expensive however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting it access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models provide various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed with an exit only, or only for entrance. These are great if you need to control when your cat comes and goes, especially at night or if you're not home. They are useful in situations where you're away from home for a long time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This allows you to control the entrance and exit of your cat easily. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pet. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat's body to become comfortable with going outdoors on its own, especially in the event that they've never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new environment very quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to learn to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide which training methods to use. Remember that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them offering them treats. Prop the flap open just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap and notice that it leads them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
When 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 take advantage of their newfound freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outdoor world, you could always keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home should they wish to.