How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their pets out but only to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can help solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats and block access to other. There are a number of benefits to having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to move around whenever they please. They can be inside at night if they wish, which will reduce the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who may be out hunting at late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat could contract if left outside at night.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats out and in - this is a major concern for some pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their territory, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only cat to access the door and exit.
It can also provide peace of mind when you are away from home, for example when you are on vacation or go out at night. It is linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movement in and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can also share access to the app with friends and family to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of the flap, give your cat praise and a reward each time it pushes its head through. When they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the right size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and out without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and stop burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to programme, making them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to monitor your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models come with smart technology that enables you to monitor your pets' movements through the door or window through an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option when you're worried that your cat may wander away from home, or you're worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can track the location of your pet's health using the app and remotely lock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This is a great option to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also attracted to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be attached to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their favourite food. It might be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They are more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and give access to your home. They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models have different locking options, allowing you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. This is useful for those who want to control when your cat goes out and come in especially late at night or you're not home. They can also be helpful if you're away from your home for a long period of time and want to ensure that your cat is safely indoors.
Recommended Website can also choose an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This lets you control the entrance and exit of your cat easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater security and are more secure for your pet. Some of these flaps also have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Based on their individual personality, some are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or head. Examining them from both the inside and out can help you work out the best methods to train them but be aware that all cats are unique.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, try and encourage them by using treats. The flap should be opened just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and then place a treat on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it brings them closer to the reward on the opposite 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 roam around the outside and take advantage of their newfound freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outdoor world you can always put them in a cage 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 ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home should they wish to.