How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats but only to change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access to only authorized cats and block access to other. There are a variety of advantages of having a cat flap that include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out whenever they want. If they want to, they can stay in at the night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be out hunting late in the late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will prevent them from catching them.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats out and in - this is a big worry for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their home as their territory, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can even provide peace of mind when you're away like when you are going out for dinner or on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can also share the app access with friends and family to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add a further layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is crucial to spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it. Start by letting the flap open so that they can see and smell the world around them. By distributing a favorite toy or food item on either side of the flap and encourage and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer different features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the appropriate size for your pet so that it can be opened and out without difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to monitor your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not there. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the window or door by using an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful when you're worried that your cat might wander off from your home or are worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely lock the cat flap and check on your pet's health via the app.
You can also opt for a four way manual locking system, which offers more options to control who can go in and out. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat that may struggle with a standard flap. This method can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or it is raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip and only let it in only if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain herbs such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even if they remain uneasy.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be attached to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them to use it by offering their favorite food. It's not easy to get them through the first time but when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're more expensive however, they function by using a magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. 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 open or closed and exit only or entrance only. These are useful when you want to control when your cat goes and comes particularly at night, or when you're away. They are also useful when you are away from your home for long periods of time and need to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.
You can also opt for a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, which means you can manage your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and provide more security. Some of these smart flaps even include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat's body to become accustomed to going outside by itself even if they've not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or head. Observing them from the inside and out will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them however, keep in mind that all cats are unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the learning sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to utilize the flap since they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other side.
When double glazing cat flap begins to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat can cope with the outdoor world, you could always lock them in at night, or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home if they want to.