How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night to let their cats out, only to have them change their minds and decide to return later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats and deny others access. There are a number of advantages to having a flap for your cat that are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out as they please. If they prefer stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This reduces the chances of them being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be out hunting late in the night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will stop them from getting sick.
Cats can get in and out through conventional cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their house as territory, eat their food, or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you are away for the evening or going on holiday. It connects to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of the house and lets you control the time they are allowed to come in and out via a smart curfew feature that you set. You can share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an extra layer of protection to your cat's security by only allowing them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so that they can observe the outside world and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of the flap, praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available with a variety of features. It is important to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet so that they can easily move in and out without any difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. cat flap installation cost near me are easy to set up and easy to program, making them ideal for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to monitor your pet's movements within the home even if you're not present. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements when you walk through the window or door by using an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander away from home or are concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can track the location of your pet using the app and remotely open their cat flap if they do get into trouble.
You can also choose a 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 when you have a naive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbors' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats are also attracted to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be fitted to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them through it by using their favorite food. It can be difficult to teach your cat the first time however once you've mastered it, it should become a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They are more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant access to your home. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models offer various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed with an exit only, or entrance only. These are great for those who need to regulate the frequency at which your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or when you're not home. They may also be useful if you're away from your home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat is safe inside.
You can also select a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's entry and exit easily. 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 have video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to get used to being outdoors on its own, especially in the event that they've never used a flap before. Depending on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may need to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Watching your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by offering them treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side, then call them through the flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will realize the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other end.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap 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 outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outside world, you could always keep them inside at night or just leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it requires, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in the home. They will also be secure knowing that they can always return home if they wish to.