How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their pets out, only for them to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats and deny others access. There are a number of benefits to using a cat flap. These include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. They can stay inside at night if they want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who may be out hunting during the night. These animals could carry deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if not kept in the dark.
Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want their neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their homes as territory and eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also give you peace of mind if you're away from home, such as when you go on vacation or go out at night. It connects to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the house and enables you to control when they can come out and in via a smart curfew feature that you can set. You can share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will add an additional layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is crucial to spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it - start by letting the flap open so that they can view and sniff around. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each time they do it. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available with a variety of features. It's important to choose one that is suitable for the size of your pet, to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in various ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip-encoded 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 multiple pets.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to track the movements of your pets through the door or window via an app on your phone.
This is useful in the event that you are worried that your cat could wander away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely open the cat flap and check your pet's health via the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who can access and exit the door. This is particularly useful for cats that are aggressive or older and may have difficulty using the traditional flap. cat flap fitting repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can be used to deter your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip, and let it in when the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good way to prevent your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of certain herbs such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even if they remain uneasy.
It's simple to teach your cat to utilize a small hinged flap that can be attached to a window or door. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through using their preferred food. It can 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 can also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. These are more expensive, however they work by putting magnets around your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a good option for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entry only. These can be useful for those who want to control when your cat goes out and comes back particularly late at night or you're not home. They may also be useful if you're away from home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat is safe inside.
You can also choose a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This lets you manage the entrance and exit of your cat with ease. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much safer for your pets and provide more peace of mind. Some of these flaps include video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
It can take time for a cat to become accustomed to going outside by itself in the event that they've never used a flap before. Depending on their personality, some are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap using their paws or heads. Examining them from both the outside and inside can help you work out what methods to use to train them however, be aware that all cats are unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Prop the flap open just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap and notice that it leads 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 explore the outdoors and take advantage of their newfound freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals like cats that are in the vicinity.
If you are unsure if your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open so 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 needs, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in the home. They will also have the security of knowing that they can always return home whenever they'd like to.