How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night by a call to let their cats out and then to change their minds and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. The flap can provide a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to go and come whenever they want. They can stay in the dark if they want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that may be out hunting in the late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are left outside at night.
Cats can enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This is a worry for pet owners who don't want their neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their home as a territory and eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can even provide peace of mind even when you're not home like when you are out for the evening or on holiday. Related Homepag links to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of the home and lets you control when they are allowed in and out via an intelligent curfew that you set. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will add an additional layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance from it. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Start by leaving cat flap bifold doors so that they can see the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or treat on either side of the flap, give your cat praise and a reward each time it puts its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps on the market. A lot of them come with various features. You should select a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet so it can be able to enter and out without difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in various ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to programme, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
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. Certain models come with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window through an app on your smartphone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat could wander too far away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they get into any trouble.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat who might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can also be used to stop your pets coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they work well to keep the cats of your neighbors away from your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also drawn by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.
It's easy to teach your cat to make use of small hinged flaps that can be attached to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through using their preferred food. It's not easy to get them through the first time but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.
Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. They are more expensive, however, they function by using magnets placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options which allow you to make it open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. This is useful for those who want to control when your cat goes out and comes back particularly late at night and you're not home. These can be useful if you are away from home for a long time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This lets you control the entry and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more security and are more secure for your pet. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to get used to being outside by itself even if they've never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new situation very quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to master how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, try and encourage them by using treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the flap while maintaining an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will see that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals like cats in the area.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outdoor world it is possible to put them in a cage at night or leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation they require. It it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home if they want to.