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 by a call to let out their cats but only to change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access to only authorized cats and block access to other. There are a variety of advantages of using a cat flap. These include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out whenever they want. They can stay in the dark if they want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that may be out hunting at late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will stop them from getting sick.
Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a worry for pet owners who don't want their neighbors cat to bother their pets, mark their home as territory or eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap can even provide peace of mind when you're away like when you are away for the evening or going on holiday. It links to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the house and allows you to regulate when they are allowed in and out 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 pet while you are away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so that they can see the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap, give your cat praise and a reward each time it puts its head through. Once they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps on the market. They all have different features. You should select one that is the appropriate size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out easily. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter the house. This Web page are quick to set up and easy to program, making them ideal for homes with several cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models have intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window using an app on your smartphone.
This is useful in case you're worried that your cat could wander off from your home or are concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for a four way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can go in and out. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat who may struggle with a standard flap. This option can be used to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow it to enter if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they work well to keep your neighbours' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be attached to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap, that recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it in. They're more expensive however, they function by using the magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats as they stop stray cats from entering your property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options which allow you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entry only. These are great for those who need to regulate the time your cat is in and out, especially at night or when you're away. They are useful in situations where you're away from home for a prolonged time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also select an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This lets you control the access and exit of your cat 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 pets. Some of these smart flaps include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
It can take some time for a cat's body to become used to being outdoors on its own, especially even if they've not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new experience very quickly. Others may need to be gently enthused and require time to learn how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Examining them from both the inside and outside can help you determine the best methods to train them, but remember that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead try to encourage them giving them treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side, then call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will be able to 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 take advantage of their newfound freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals such as cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're not sure if your cat can cope with the outdoor world it is possible to lock them in at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be secure knowing that they are able to return home if they'd like to.