How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their pets out but only to change their minds and want to return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access to only authorized cats and deny others access. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to come and go whenever they please. They can stay in the dark if they prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who may be out hunting during the night. Many of these animals have diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, and so keeping them in at night will stop them from being bitten by them.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats out and in - this is a big worry for some pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep out other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also provide peace of mind when you're away from home, such as when you go on vacation or out at night. It links to a hub and app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house and enables you to control the time they are allowed to come out and in via the smart curfew feature you can set. You can also share the app access with family members and friends to ensure that they monitor your pet while you are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is important that you spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it. Start by opening the flap to let them see and sniff the outside world. Holding out a favourite toy or treat on either side of the flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available with a variety of features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the size of your pet so that they can move between the two without difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in various ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to access and leave the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models come with smart technology that enables you to track your pet's' movements when you walk through the windows or doors through an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial if you are concerned that your cat could wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and check your pet's condition using the app.
You can also select a four-way manual locking mechanism, which gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is especially useful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good way to keep your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that take place in the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain herbs such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them through it when they are still uneasy.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be attached to a door or window it's easy 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 favorite food. It might be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They are more expensive, but work by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to open the flap and give access to your home. These are a great choice for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with various locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open and exit only or entry only. This is useful for those who want to control when your cat goes out and returns, especially if it's late at night or when you're not home. They are useful when you're away from home for a prolonged time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This allows you to control the entrance and exit of your cat easily. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these smart flaps also have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat's body to become used to being outside by itself in the event that they've never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new situation very quickly. Others may require being gently encouraged and need time to master how to open the flap with a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, attempt to encourage them giving them treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it brings them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe outside. replacement upvc door panel with cat flap may be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, including cats that live nearby.
If you are unsure whether your cat is able to cope with the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require, but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations around the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they will be able to return home whenever they wish to.