How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night to let out their cats, only to have them change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap could solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out as they please. They can remain in their home at night if prefer, which reduces their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who may be out hunting at late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will stop them from getting sick.
Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This is a worry for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as their territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep out other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also provide peace of mind when you are away from home, for example when you go on vacation or out at night. It connects to a hub and app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of the home and lets you control the time they are allowed to come out and in via the smart curfew feature you can set. It is possible to share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's security by only the ability to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important that you spend time training your cat to use the flap especially if they are not familiar with it. Begin by letting the flap open so that they can view and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap and praise and reward them every time they do so. Once they are confident using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available, with many offering different features. You should select a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out easily. Also, you should look for a durable material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not present. Some models come with smart technology that enables you to track your pet's' movements through the window or door using an app on your phone.
This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat might wander too far from home, or you're worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they get into any trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can access and exit the door. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, thereby keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good way to keep your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also help to reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the scent of plants such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to use it even if they remain uneasy.
It's easy to teach your cat to use a small hinged flap that can be attached to a window or door. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through by using their favorite food. It can 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 recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They're more expensive however, they function by using magnets on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close, exit only, or entrance only. They are helpful for those who need to regulate when your cat goes and comes particularly at night, or when you're not home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and want to ensure that your cat is safe inside.
You can also opt for a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're more secure for your pet and provide more security. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it may take some time to get them used to the idea of going out on their own. Based on their personality, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or head. Watching them from the outside and inside can help you work out the best methods to train them, but be aware that all cats are different.
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 open the flap. Call your cat through the flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin introduction to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. Suggested Internet site to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as neighbouring cats.
If you are unsure whether your cat is capable of surviving the outdoors, you can either 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 requires and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they can always return home whenever they want to.