How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats but only to change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap can help solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats and block access to other. The flap can provide a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out as they please. They can be in the dark if they want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be out hunting in the late at night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are left outside at night.
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 homes as their territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from 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 are on vacation or out at night. It links to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the home and allows you to regulate when they are allowed in and out via the smart curfew feature you can set. The app can be shared with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide a further layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is crucial to spend time training your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't familiar with it. Begin by letting the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap and give your cat praise and a reward each time it puts its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available, with many offering different features. You should select a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and exit easily. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
Repair My Windows And Doors are a great method to track your pet's movement inside the house, even if you're not there. Certain models come with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial if you are concerned that your cat might wander away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and monitor your pet's status through the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can access and exit the door. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets from coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thereby keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good way to keep your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Access to the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat to utilize the small hinged flap that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to walk through by using their favorite food. It may be difficult to make them go through it the first time, but once they've done it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and lets it to be inserted. They're more expensive, but they function by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to open the flap and give it access to your home. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models come with different locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open and exit only or only for entrance. These are great if you need to control the time your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or if you're not home. These can be useful in situations where you're away from home for an extended time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also select an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's access and exit with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more security and are safer for your pet. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it can take a while to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or head. Examining them from both the inside and out will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them, but remember that all cats are different.
Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, you should instead attempt to encourage them using treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place a treat on the other side. Then, call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the training sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it brings them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as neighboring cats.
If you are unsure if your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can either lock them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in your home. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they can always return home whenever they'd like to.