How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let their pets out and then to change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats access and block access to other cats. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out whenever they want. They can remain in the dark if they want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who may be out hunting at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat might be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.
Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for some pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their home as their territory, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can get in and out.
A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind even when you're not home like when you are away for the evening or on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to enter and leave. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or a treat on either side of the flap, praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market. Many of them offer different features. It's important to choose the right cat flap for the size of your pet so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter the house. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window using an app on your phone.
This is useful if you're concerned that your cat might wander too far from home or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely unlock the cat flap and check your pet's condition using the app.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who can access and exit the door. This is particularly useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a pet's chip and only allow entry when the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It also helps to reduce the number of accidents that take place within the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of plants such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to go through it even if they remain uneasy.
It's simple to teach your cat how to use small hinged flaps that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through with their preferred food. It might be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do you will be able to make it a habit.
www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is to use a magnetic cat flap, that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're more expensive however, they function by using magnets placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These are a good option for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options that allow you to make it open, closed, exit only or entry only. These are useful 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 that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This allows you to manage 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 provide more peace of mind. Some of these flaps also have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it can take a while to get them used to the idea of going outside on their own. Based on their individual nature, some are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or heads. Examining your cat from the inside and the outside can help you decide what methods of training to use. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Call them through the flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the training sessions more enjoyable on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap and notice that it leads them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat starts to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Certain cats are susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, including cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outside world, you could always put them in a cage at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it requires and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in the home. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they can always return home if they want to.