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 cats out but only to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
cat flap installation near me operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are many advantages of having a cat flap that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they like. They can stay inside at night if they prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who might be hunting at night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may catch if they are left outside at night.
Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats in and out - this is a major issue 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 flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only one to get in and out.
A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you go going out for dinner or on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements within and outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. It is possible to share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has an infrared or magnetic collar key can provide additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is recommended to spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. You can praise and reward them every time they do so. Once they're confident with the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the appropriate size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and exit easily. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in various ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not present. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window by using an app on your phone.
This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat may wander too far from home or you're concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely lock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.
You can also select a four way manual locking system that offers more options to control who can go in and out. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat who might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus blocking other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great method to stop your neighbor's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of herbs such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to use it even if they remain uneasy.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be attached to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them through it by using their favourite food. It can be difficult to make them go through it the first time, but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and lets it to enter. They are more expensive, but work by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant access to your home. They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models come with different locking options which allow you to make it open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. This is useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and comes back, especially if it's late at night and you're not at home. They are useful in situations where you're away from home for a prolonged time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can manage your cat's entry and exit with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pet. Some of these flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Based on their individual nature, some are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Examining your cat from the inside and the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead attempt to encourage them offering them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the cat flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it takes them closer to their 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 are able to let them explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure whether your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can keep your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. This lets you make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also have the security of knowing that they are able to come back home if they want to.