How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let their cats out and then to change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats access and deny access to others. There are a number of advantages to having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out whenever they want. If they want to remain inside, they can do so at night. This reduces the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be out hunting late at night. These animals could carry deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are left outside at night.
Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats out and in - this is a major issue for pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
It also gives you peace of mind when you're away from home, such as when you are on vacation or go out at night. It's linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by the ability to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not used to using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or food item on either side of the flap, give your cat praise and a reward each time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. It is important to select one that is the right size for your pet, so that it can be opened and out easily. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and stop burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. The cat flaps are 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 allow you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the door or window by via an app on your smartphone.
This is useful if you are concerned that your cat might wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and monitor your pet's health via the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is particularly useful for those with an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This is a great option to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they work well to keep your neighbours' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. cat flap fitters near me are also attracted by the scent of herbs such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to go through it even if they remain in a shaky state.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be affixed to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their favorite food. It can be difficult to get them through the first time, but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive, however they work by putting the magnet around your pet's neck to open the flap. They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models provide various locking options. cat flap fitters near me can set it to open or closed with an exit only, or entrance only. They can be helpful when you want to regulate when your cat goes out and comes back, especially if it's late at night or when you're not home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for an extended period of time and want to be sure your cat is safe.
You can also choose a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This lets you manage the entry and exit of your cat with ease. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much more secure for your pet and offer more security. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring, and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat's body to become comfortable with going out on their own even if they've not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new environment quickly. Some cats will need to be gently encouraged and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or heads. Watching them from the inside and out will help you figure out what methods to use to train them but remember that all cats are different.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side, then call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat starts to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, including cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoors it is possible to put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it requires and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll always be able to return home should they wish to.