How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out but only to change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats and deny others access. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out whenever they want. They can stay in their home at night if wish, which will reduce the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that could be fatal for your cat, and so keeping them in at night will stop them from being bitten by them.
Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats in and out - this is a major concern for 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 cat door will keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can even provide peace of mind even when you're not home, such as when you are going out for dinner or going on holiday. It links to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements in and out of the home and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come out and in via the smart curfew feature you set. You can also share your app access with family and friends so that they can monitor your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add a further layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance from it. You should spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap. You can praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available with a variety of features. It is important to select one that is the proper size for your pet's needs so it can be able to enter and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain 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 an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to install, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not present. Some models have smart technology that enables you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the door or window using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat could wander off from your home, or you're concerned about their access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely lock the flap on your cat's door and check on your pet's condition using the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to enter and leave. This is especially helpful if your cat is aggressive or older and may struggle with an ordinary flap. This is a great option to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or it is raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow it to enter if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also attracted to the scents of plants 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 use the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to go through using their favorite food. It's not easy 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 can also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They are more expensive, but they function by using a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap, granting access to your home. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models have different locking options that allow you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. These are great if you need to control the frequency at which your cat comes and goes particularly at night or when you're away. They can also be helpful when you are away from home for a long period of time and want to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.
You can also opt for a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit easily. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more security and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart flaps also come with video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. visit this website are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new experience very quickly. Others may need to be gently enthused and require time to learn to push the flap open with a paw or head. Examining them from both the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods to use to train them but keep in mind that all cats are unique.
Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it takes them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is important to watch your cat and make sure they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals such as cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outdoor world you can always lock them in at night or just leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it requires and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could occur in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll be able to return home should they wish to.