How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their cat out and only to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. The flap can provide a number of advantages, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they please. If they want to remain inside, they can do so at night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be hunting at night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if out at night.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats out and in - this is a big worry for pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, 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 number and only unlocking for your cat is the only cat to access the door and exit.
It also gives you peace of mind when you are away from home, like when you go on vacation or out at night. It's linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and out of the home. window cat flap can also set a smart curfew in order to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can also share the app access with family members and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by allowing them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so that they can see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each time they do it. Once cat flap installer near me feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market. A lot of them come with different features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and exit easily. You should also search for a durable material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and prevent burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to install, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to track the movements of your pets through the door or window using an app on your phone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat may wander off from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially useful for those with an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This can be used to deter your pets coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to keep your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of plants such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to use it even when they are still uneasy.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be fitted to a window or door it's easy enough 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 favourite food. It can be difficult to make them go through it the first time, but once they do begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap that detects your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. These are more expensive, but they work by using magnets on your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a great choice for multi-cat households to prevent stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options. You can set it to open or closed and exit only or only for entrance. They are helpful when you want to control the frequency at which your cat comes and goes, especially at night or if you're not home. They can also be helpful when you are away from your home for long periods of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safely indoors.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's entry and exit with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more security and are safer for your pet. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Based on their individual personality, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Examining cat flap installers near me from both the inside and out can help you determine what methods you can use to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are different.
Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. The flap should be opened just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place treats on the other side, then call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it brings them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them roam around the outside and have fun in their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outdoor world, you could always lock them in at night or just leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situation in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be secure knowing that they can always return home whenever they'd like to.