How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being awakened up in the late at night to let their pets out and only to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can help solve this issue.
It operates 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 benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to move around whenever they please. They can stay in their home at night if prefer, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that might be hunting during the night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are out at night.
Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their home as territory or eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for your cat is the only one to get in and out.
It also gives you peace of mind when you're away from home, such as when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It's linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements within and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew to control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is crucial to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it. Start by opening the flap to let them see and smell the world around them. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat on either side of the flap and encourage and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the appropriate size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and out without difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws claws and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from gaining access. fitting a cat flap in a upvc door can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements within the home even if you're not there. have a peek here come with smart technology that enables you to monitor your pets' movements through the door or window by using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is useful if you're concerned that your cat could wander away from home, or you're concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely open their cat flap if they do get into trouble.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who is able to enter and leave. This is especially useful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat who might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can also be used to stop your pets coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good way to prevent your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also decrease the amount of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to use it even when they are still uneasy.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be fitted to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it by offering their favorite food. It can be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, it should become a habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it in. They're more expensive, however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and grant it access to your home. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models have different locking options which allow you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. They are helpful when you want to control when your cat comes and goes, especially at night or when you're not home. They can also be helpful when you are away from your home for long periods of time and want to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.
You can also select a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's access and exit easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much more secure for your pet and provide more security. Some of these smart flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of going out on their own. Based on their individual nature, some are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will need to be gently encouraged and taught to open the flap with their paws or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide which training methods to employ. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will realize that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other end.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introducing them to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're not sure whether your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires and provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll be able to return home should they wish to.