How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their pets out, only for them to change their minds and want to return within minutes. A cat flap solves this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats and block access to other. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to move around whenever they want. They can stay in the dark if they want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that may be out hunting at night. Many of these animals have diseases that could be fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will prevent them from being bitten by them.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats in and out - this is a big worry for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their territory, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
It can also provide peace of mind if you're away from home, for example when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It connects to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of your home and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and in via a smart curfew feature that you can set. cat flap fitters near me can also share access to the app with family members and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is essential to spend time training your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it - start by opening the flap so that they can view and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each time they do it. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. You should select a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to monitor your pet's movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to track your pet's' movements through the window or door by using an app on your phone.
This is useful in the event that you are worried that your cat may wander off from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and check on your pet's status through the app.
You can also choose a four way manual locking system which offers more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit old or aggressive and could struggle with an ordinary flap. cat flap fitters near me is a great option to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that take place in the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be affixed to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them to use it by offering their favorite food. It can be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They are more expensive, however they work by putting an electronic device attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options that allow you to make it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. This is useful when you want to regulate the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in especially late at night and you're not home. They can also be helpful when you are away from your home for long periods of time and need to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.
You can also opt for a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much safer for your pets and provide more security. Some of these flaps also have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to get comfortable with going outside by itself in the event that they've not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to learn to push the flap open using a paw or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, you should instead try to encourage them offering them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the flap while maintaining an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to utilize the flap since they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other end.
When your cat begins to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals like cats in the area.
If you're not sure if your cat can cope with the outdoor world, you could always keep them inside at night or just leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home should they wish to.