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 cats out and only to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and deny access to others. 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 letting them in and out whenever they want. If cat flap fitters near me want to stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be out hunting late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.
Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their house as territory or eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only one to access the door and exit.
A microchip cat flap may even give you peace of mind even when you're not home, such as when you go going out for dinner or going on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can also share the app access with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by permitting them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open to let them observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they are confident using the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available 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 out without difficulty. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and stop burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to track the movement of your pets through the door or window by through an app on your smartphone.
This is useful in the event that you are worried that your cat could wander off from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and check your pet's status through the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is particularly useful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may be unable to use the traditional flap. This can be used to deter your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they work well to keep your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be fitted 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 encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It can be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They're more expensive but they work by using a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These are a good option for multi-cat households to prevent stray animals from entering the property.
Other models offer different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close, exit only, or entrance only. These are useful if you need to control the time your cat is in and out particularly at night, or if you're not home. They may also be useful in situations where you're away from your home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays safe inside.
You can also opt for a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's access and exit easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more security and are more secure for your pets. Some of these flaps even include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it can 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 environment quickly. Others might require to be gently encouraged and need time to learn to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Observing them from the outside and inside can help you work out what methods you can use to train them however, keep in mind that all cats are different.
Instead of yelling your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Open the flap a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side, then call them through the flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap and notice that it leads them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat is 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 other toys. window with cat flap can make sure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it requires, but you can also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. They'll also have the security of knowing that they are able to come back home if they wish to.