How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their pets out but only to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats and block access to other. There are a number of benefits to having a flap for your cat that are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. If they choose to, they can stay in at night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be out hunting late in the night. These animals could carry deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if not kept in the dark.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats in and out - this is a big worry for pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home as their own, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you are going out for dinner or out on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to enter and leave. You can also share access to the app with friends and family so that they can monitor your pets while 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 only allowing them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. 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 view and sniff around. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each time they do it. Once they're confident with the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer various features. You should select a cat-flap that's the appropriate size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in different ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually with a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to access the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to program, which makes them perfect for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to monitor your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not there. Some models are equipped with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the window or door using an app on your phone.
This is useful if you are concerned that your cat may wander away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely open the cat flap and check on your pet's health via the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who is able to enter and leave. This is particularly useful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This method can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen in the home. Many cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's easy to teach your cat how to utilize the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to walk through using their preferred food. It's not easy to master the process the first time but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap, granting access to your home. These are a great choice for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to open or closed, exit only, or entry only. They can be helpful when you want to regulate your cat's movements when they go out and returns, especially if it's late at night or you're not home. They can also be helpful when you are away from your home for a long period of time and want to ensure that your cat is in a safe place.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can manage your cat's entry and exit with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much more secure for your pet and provide more security. Some of these smart flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new situation quickly. Some cats will need to be gently urged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Examining your cat from the inside and the outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, try and encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the 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 how to utilize the flap since they will be able to see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other end.
Once your cat begins 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. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on 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 the cats in the area.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outdoor world it is possible to put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in the home. Read the Full Write-up will also be secure knowing that they are able to return home whenever they'd like to.