How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats but only to change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats and deny others access. There are many benefits to having a cat flap that include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out at any time they wish. If they prefer, they can stay in at night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be out hunting late in the night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from being bitten by them.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats in and out - this is a major concern for some pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their territory, 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 then unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap may provide security when you're away, such as when you go away for the evening or going on holiday. It connects to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of the home and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come out and in via a smart curfew feature that you set. cat flap installer near me can be shared with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will add an additional layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is important that you spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it. Start by opening the flap to let them see and sniff around. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each when they do this. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. You should select a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet so that it can be opened and exit easily. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from entering. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to monitor your pet's movements in the house even when you're not there. Certain models come with smart technology that lets you monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window through an app on your phone.
This is a great option when you're worried that your cat could wander off from your home or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the cat flap and monitor your pet's status through the app.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit old or aggressive and could have difficulty using the traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow it to enter only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they work well to keep your neighbours' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.
It's simple to teach your cat how to use a small hinged flap that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through by using their favorite food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time however once you've mastered it, the practice will become habitual.
Another option is to use magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. These are more expensive, however, they function by using a magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with different locking options that allow you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. This is useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and returns, especially if it's late at night and you're not home. These can be useful if you are away from home for a prolonged time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also select a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated by an app that means you can control your cat's access and exit easily. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these smart flaps even have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
It can take time for a cat to become accustomed to going out on their own in the event that they've never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new situation quickly. Others may require being gently enthused and require time to learn how to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Examining your cat from the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. Remember that every cat is different.
Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side, then call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap and notice that it brings them closer to the 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 can let them explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure that they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the cats in the area.
If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outside world it is possible to lock them in at night, or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs, but you can also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home if they want to.