How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their pets out and only to change their minds and decide to go to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. There are a variety of advantages to having a cat flap that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they want. They can be in the dark if they wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that might be out hunting at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal for your cat and so keeping them in at night will stop them from being bitten by them.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats out and in - this is a major issue for some pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as their territory, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out 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 when you're away like when you are away for the evening or on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew to regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. You can share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance from it. You should spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap and praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they are confident using the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market. They all have different features. visit site is essential to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet, so that they can easily move into and out with no difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, which makes them ideal for homes with several cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models have smart technology that enables you to track your pets' movements as they walk through the windows or doors using an app on your phone.
This is helpful when you're worried that your cat could wander too far away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely lock the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's status through the app.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This option 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 the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also reduce the number of accidents that happen within 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 through it when they are still hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be attached to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It's not easy to master the process the first time but when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive, however they work by putting a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to unlock the flap, granting access to your home. These are a good option for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models have different locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. These can be useful for those who want to control when your cat goes out and returns, especially if it's late at night or you're not at home. They are also useful when you are away from your home for long periods of time and need to ensure that your cat is safely indoors.
You can also choose a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This allows you to manage the entrance and exit of your cat with ease. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much safer for your pets and provide more peace of mind. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to become accustomed to going out on their own even if they've never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new situation quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to master how to open the flap with a paw or head. Examining them from both the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods to use to train them but remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side, then call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions more enjoyable on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward at the other side.
When your cat begins to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start introduction to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Certain cats are susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, such as neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outdoors, you could always put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they get all the exercise and enrichment that they need but it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situation in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they will be able to come back home if they wish to.