How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their cat out and only to change their minds and decide to go to return within minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to move around whenever they please. They can be in their home at night if want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be out hunting during the night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal for your cat and therefore keeping them inside at night will stop them from getting sick.
Cats are able to enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their house as territory or eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only cat to access the door and exit.
It also gives you peace of mind when you're away from home, like when you are on vacation or out at night. It's linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by permitting them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important to spend time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so that they can observe the outside world and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of the flap you can give your cat praise and a reward each time it puts its head through. Once they are confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the size of your pet, so that they can easily move between the two 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 prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to access and leave the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to install, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movement 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 via an app on your phone.
This is helpful in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely lock the cat flap and check on your pet's condition using the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system which offers more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat that may struggle with a standard flap. This option can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that take place in the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme and 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 in a shaky state.
It's easy to teach your cat to utilize the small hinged flap that can be affixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to go through with their favorite food. It might be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. These are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with a variety of locking options, allowing you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entrance only. These can be useful for those who want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in, especially if it's late at night and you're not at home. These can be useful in situations where you're away from home for an extended period of time and want to be sure your cat is safe.
You can also choose an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This lets you control the access and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more security and are safer for your pet. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat's body to become used to being out on their own even if they've never used a flap before. Based on their individual personality, some are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will need to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Observing them from the inside and outside can help you determine what methods you can use to train them, but be aware that all cats are unique.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, it's better to attempt to encourage them giving them treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap and notice that it leads them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe out there. cat flap installers near me www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk are vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like neighboring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat can cope with 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 will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.