How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let out their cats, only to have them change their minds and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats and block access to other. There are a number of advantages of having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to come and go whenever they please. They can remain in the dark if they want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that might be hunting during the night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are not kept in the dark.
Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their house as their territory or eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also give you peace of mind when you're away from home, like when you go on vacation or go out at night. It connects to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of the home and allows you to regulate when they can come out and back in using the smart curfew feature you set. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has an infrared or magnetic collar key can provide an additional layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is important that you spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it. Start by letting the flap open to let them see and sniff around. By distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap you can encourage and reward your cat 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. They all have different features. It's important to choose one that is suitable for the size of your pet so that they can easily move into and out with no difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements within the home even if you're not around. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements through the door or window using an app on your phone.
This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander off from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely open their cat flap in case they do get into trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking mechanism, which gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially useful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or it is raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow entry only if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.
It's easy to teach your cat how to utilize a small hinged flap that can be attached to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through with their favorite food. It can be difficult to get them through the first time, but once they do, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models come with different locking options that allow you to make it open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. These are great when you want to control when your cat is in and out particularly at night, or when you're not home. They may also be useful in situations where you're away from home for long periods of time and need to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. check here allows you to control the entrance and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much safer for your pets and offer more security. Some of these smart cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Based on their individual personality, some are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to learn to push the flap open using a paw or head. Examining them from both the inside and out can help you determine what methods to use to train them however, keep in mind that all cats are different.
Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, try to encourage them giving them treats. Open the flap a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side, then call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the learning sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to utilize the flap since they will see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other end.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outdoors, you could always lock them in at night or just leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it requires however, you should also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. check here will also be secure knowing that they will be able to return home if they want to.