How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their cats out and only to change their minds and decide to go to return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. There are a variety of advantages of having a flap for your cat that are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out whenever they want. If they choose to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be hunting in the night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat might be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats in and out - this is a big worry for some pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their territory, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for your cat is the only one to access the door and exit.
A microchip cat flap may provide security when you're away like when you go away for the evening or going on holiday. similar website is linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can also share your app access with family members and friends to ensure that they monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or food item from either side of flap you can give your cat praise and a reward each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps on the market. They all have various features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet, to allow them to move between the two without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to access the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to program, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
A key advantage 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 that lets you monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window by using an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial if you are concerned that your cat may wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely lock the cat flap and monitor your pet's condition using the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is particularly useful when your cat is a bit more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip and only allow entry when the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems 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
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the number of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of herbs such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to go through it even when they are still in a shaky state.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be affixed to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It can be difficult to make them go through it the first time but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it in. They're more expensive, however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats as they keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open, exit only, or only for entrance. They can be helpful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and come in, especially if it's late at night and you're not at home. They are also useful if you're away from your home for long periods of time and need to ensure that your cat is safely indoors.
You can also opt for a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated by an app which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater peace of mind and are safer for your pet. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to become accustomed to going out on their own if they have never used a flap before. Based on their nature, some cats 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 with their paws or head. Examining your cat from the inside and outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by giving them 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, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will be able to see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other end.
When 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 have fun in their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, including neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoors it is possible to keep them inside at night, or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation 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 will also have the security of knowing that they will be able to come back home if they'd like to.