How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being awakened up in the late at night to let their cat out but only to change their minds and decide to go to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap could solve this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats in and deny access to others. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out as they please. If they prefer remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be out hunting late in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that could be fatal for 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 major issue for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as their territory, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could provide security even when you're not home for instance, when you go away for the evening or on holiday. It links to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the house and enables you to control when they are allowed out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you set. It is possible to 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 an infrared or magnetic collar key will add a further layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is crucial to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it. Start by opening the flap so that they can view and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. You can praise and reward them every time they do it. When they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. You should select a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet's needs so it can be able to enter and exit easily. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in various ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to programme, making them ideal for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movement within the home even if you're not around. Certain models come with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This is useful if you're concerned that your cat might wander away from home or are concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely open their cat flap should they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system, which 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 struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow entry when the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of herbs 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 if they remain uneasy.
It's simple to teach your cat how to utilize small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through with their favorite food. It may be difficult to get your cat through the first time, but once you do you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're more expensive however, they function by using a magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a good option for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models offer various locking options. You can set it to open or close and exit only or only for entrance. They can be helpful when you want to regulate the time your cat is allowed to go out and returns especially late at night or you're not home. They can also be helpful when you are away from your home for long periods of time and want to ensure that your cat stays safe inside.
You can also opt for a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated by an app which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and provide more security. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat's body to become comfortable with going outside by itself if they have not used a flap before. Depending on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors may need to be gently encouraged and need time to learn how to open the flap with a paw or head. Examining your cat from the inside and from the outside can help you decide what training methods to use. Remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap because they will see that it brings them closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat starts to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to cope with the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. This lets you ensure that they get all the exercise and enrichment they require, but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home if they want to.