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 pets out and only to change their minds and come to return within minutes. A cat flap solves this issue.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access to only authorized cats and block access to other. There are many advantages to using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. If they prefer, they can stay in at the night. composite door cat flap will decrease the chances of them being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be out hunting late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might contract if left outside at night.
Cats can enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their house as territory or eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.
It can also provide peace of mind when you're away from home, such as when you go on vacation or go out at night. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide a further layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can see the outside world and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or a treat from either side of the flap you can give your cat praise and a reward every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market. They all have different features. You should select a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet so that it can enter and exit easily. You should also look for a durable product that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not around. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the window or door through an app on your phone.
This is useful if you are concerned that your cat may wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and check on your pet's health via the app.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is particularly useful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be affixed to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their favourite food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time but when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, but work by using an electronic device attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant access to your home. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models come with various locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open, exit only, or entry only. These are useful if you need to control when your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or if you're not home. They are useful when you're away from home for an extended period of time and want to be sure your cat is safe.
You can also opt for an intelligent 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 with ease. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat's body to become used to being outside by itself in the event that they've not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to master how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide which methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place treats on the other side, then call them through the flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it leads them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals like cats in the area.
If you're unsure if your cat will be in a position to handle 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 make sure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require. It also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situation in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to return home whenever they'd like to.