How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their pets out, only for them to change their minds and come to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access to only authorized cats, and denying access to others. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to move around whenever they want. They can stay in their home at night if want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that may be out hunting during the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from getting sick.
Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can even provide peace of mind even when you're not home like when you are going out for dinner or on holiday. It links to a hub and app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home and allows you to regulate when they can come out and back in using the smart curfew feature you set. You can share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open to let them see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap and praise and reward them every time they do so. When they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. You should select one that is the right size for your pet so it can be able to enter and out easily. You should also search for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and deter burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not around. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window using an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option when you're worried that your cat could wander away from home, or you're concerned about their access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap in case they do get into trouble.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can access and exit the door. This is especially useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This can be used to deter your pets coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that take place in the home. Many cats are also enticed 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 use it even if they remain hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat how to make use of the small hinged flap that can be fixed 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 can be difficult to make them go through it the first time, but when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They are more expensive, but they work by using magnets around your pet's neck to open the flap. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models have different locking options that allow you to make it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. This is useful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and come in, especially if it's late at night or when you're not home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and need to ensure your cat remains in a safe place.
You can also choose an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This allows you to control the entrance and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these smart flaps also have video monitoring and can be accessed from any location 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. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new situation very quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn how to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Examining your cat from the inside and the outside will help you decide on the best methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat is different.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, try to encourage them giving them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the flap while using a calm, positive voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it brings them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, including neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outside world it is possible to lock them in at night or just leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that may occur in the home. cat flaps for french doors www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will also be able to rest in the knowing that they can always come back home if they want to.