How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let their pets out, only to have them change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats, and denying access to others. read this article can provide a number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out as they please. If they choose to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This will reduce the chance of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be hunting at late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could contract if out at night.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap may even give you peace of mind when you're away like when you are out for the evening or on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that track your pet's movements within and outside the house. cat flap in upvc door cost can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can also share access to the app with friends and family to ensure that they monitor your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will 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 that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by opening the flap to let them see and smell the world around them. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap and beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they are confident using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market. A lot of them come with various features. It is important to select a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and exit easily. Also, you should look for a durable product that can withstand paws claws and rain.
Some cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. read this article are quick to set up and easy to programme, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movement in the house even when you're not around. Some models are equipped with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the window or door via an app on your smartphone.
This is useful if you are concerned that your cat could wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can track the location of your pet's health using the app and remotely lock their cat flap if they are in trouble.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can access and exit the door. This is particularly useful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This can also be used to stop your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that take place in the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it in case they are uneasy.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be attached to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them to use it by offering their favourite food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive however they work by putting an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give access to your home. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models offer various locking options. You can set it to open or close, exit only, or entrance only. These are great when you want to control the time your cat is in and out particularly at night, or when you're not home. They can be helpful if you are away from home for a prolonged time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This lets you control the entry and exit of your cat with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere connected to the Internet.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to become comfortable with going out on their own if they have not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new situation quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Watching them from the inside and outside can help you determine what methods to use to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the cat flap, while speaking in a calm, positive voice. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it takes them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them roam around the outside and have fun in their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and ensure that they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're not sure whether 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 other toys. This allows you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they can always return home if they want to.