How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and decide to go to return within minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats access and deny access to others. There are a variety of advantages of using a cat flap. These include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to come and go whenever they want. If they want to remain inside, they can do so at the night. This reduces the chances of them being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be out hunting late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that could be fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from getting sick.
Cats are able to enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want their neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their house as their territory or eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind when you are not home for instance, when you go out for the evening or going on holiday. It links to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements in and out of the house and lets you control when they can come out and back in using the smart curfew feature you set. You can also share your app access with family and friends to ensure that they monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add an additional layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is essential to spend time educating your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it - start by leaving the flap open so that they can see and smell the world around them. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap. You can give them praise and rewards each when they do this. When they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot of them come with various features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet, so that it can enter and out without difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in various ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter the house. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes 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 there. Certain models come with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window by via an app on your smartphone.
cat flap fitters near me is helpful if you are concerned that your cat might wander off from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they are in trouble.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is particularly useful for cats that are aggressive or older and may have difficulty using the traditional flap. composite door cat flap can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective method to stop your neighbor's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also decrease the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.
composite door cat flap to teach your cat how to make use of the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through by using their preferred food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time however once you've mastered it, you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive, however they work by putting the magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats as they keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models come with a variety of locking options, allowing you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. These are great when you want to control the time your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or when you're away. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from your home for extended periods of time and need to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.
You can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This allows you to manage the access and exit of your cat easily. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more security and are safer for your pet. Some of these flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to become used to being outside by itself even if they've not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new experience very quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to master how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Examining them from both the inside and outside can help you work out the best methods to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are unique.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, try and encourage them by using treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the training sessions more enjoyable on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap and notice that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat starts to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure whether your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can either lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so 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 give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that may arise in the home. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they will be able to return home whenever they wish to.