How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their cat out and only to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. A cat flap has a number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. They can stay in the dark if they prefer, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that may be out hunting during the night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are left outside at night.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats inside and out. This is a big worry for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by identifying 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 out for the evening or out on holiday. It connects to a hub and app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of your home and lets you control when they can come out and back in using the smart curfew feature you can set. You can share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by permitting them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important that you spend time training your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by opening the flap so that they can see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each time they do it. Once they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. You should select one that is the proper size for your pet, so that it can be opened and exit easily. Also, you should look for a durable product that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to program, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements through the door or window using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is beneficial if you are concerned that your cat could wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can track the location of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system which offers more options to decide who can go in and out. This is especially helpful for cats that are old or aggressive and could have difficulty using an ordinary flap. This can be used to deter your pets from coming in 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 the microchip is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they work well to keep your neighbors' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also decrease the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the scent of plants like cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it if they remain hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat how to utilize the small hinged flap that can be affixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to walk through using their preferred food. It may be difficult to get your cat through the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap, that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it in. They're more expensive however they work by putting a magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models offer different locking options. You can set it to open or close with an exit only, or only for entrance. They are helpful for those who need to regulate the frequency at which your cat comes and goes, especially at night or when you're not home. They may also be useful when you are away from home for long periods of time and want to ensure that your cat is in a safe place.
You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This allows you to control the entrance and exit of your cat with ease. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and provide more peace of mind. Some of these flaps even include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it can take a while to get them used to the idea of going outside on their own. Based on their individual nature, some are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment 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 your cat from both the inside and outside can help you decide what training methods to use. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Call your cat through the cat flap, while speaking in a calm, positive voice. cat flap installation cost near me will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will be able to see that it brings them closer to the reward at the other side.
When your cat begins to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it requires, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home if they choose to.