How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let their pets out, only to have them change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats and block access to other. There are a number of advantages to using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to go and come whenever they like. If they prefer remain inside, they can do so at night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be hunting in the night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from being bitten by them.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for some pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their home as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from 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 when you are not home for instance, when you are away for the evening or going on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements within and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is essential to spend time educating your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it - start by letting the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each time they do it. Once they're comfortable using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. cat flap cost near me is important to select a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet so it can be able to enter and exit easily. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to program, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to track the movement of your pets through the window or door through an app on your phone.
This can be useful when you're worried that your cat might wander off from your home or are concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet's health using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they do get into trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you greater control over who is able to enter and leave. This is particularly helpful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat who 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.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in when the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping your neighbors' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also decrease the amount of accidents that happen within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. These can be placed either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
It's easy to teach your cat how to utilize the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through using their preferred food. It's not easy to master the process the first time, but once they do, they should take up the habit.
Another option is to use magnetic cat flaps, which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. These are more expensive, however, they function by using the magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with different locking options which allow you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entry only. They are helpful for those who need to regulate the frequency at which your cat comes and goes particularly at night or when you're away. They can be helpful if you are away from home for a long time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also select a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated by an app which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit with ease. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're more secure for your pet and offer more security. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it can take a while to get them used to the idea of being out on their own. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new situation very quickly. Others may require being gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and place treats on the other side, then call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions easier for both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to utilize the flap since they will see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other side.
When your cat starts to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as neighboring cats.
If you are unsure whether your cat is able to cope with the outdoors, you can either lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it needs however, you should also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home if they want to.