How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cat out and only to change their minds and decide to go to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can help solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats and deny others access. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they like. If they choose to, they can stay in at the night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be hunting at late at night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.
Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their house as their territory, eat their food, or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.
A microchip cat flap may provide security when you're away, such as when you are away for the evening or out on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house. cat flap fitting near me can also set a smart curfew in order to regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. It is possible to share the app with 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 can provide a further layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance of it. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or food item on either side of the flap, praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available, with many offering different features. It is important to select one that is the appropriate size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and exit easily. You should also search for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track the movement of your pets through the door or window through an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander away from home, or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely lock the cat flap and check on your pet's status through the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly useful for those with an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a pet's chip and only allow entry if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great way to keep your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also reduce the number of accidents that take place in the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of plants such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it if they remain in a shaky state.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be affixed to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them through it by using their favourite food. It can 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 a magnetic cat flap, that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. These are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models have different locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. This is useful for those who want to control when your cat goes out and comes back especially late at night or when you're not at home. They can also be helpful if you're away from your home for a long period of time and need to ensure that your cat is in a safe place.
You can also choose a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's access 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 peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it can take a while to get them used to the idea of being out on their own. Based on their individual personality, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Observing them from the inside and outside can help you work out the best methods to train them, but remember that all cats are unique.
Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, attempt to encourage them using treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Call your cat through the flap while maintaining an ebullient, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it leads them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like neighboring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outdoor world you can always keep them inside at night, or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it requires and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they will be able to return home if they want to.