How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their cats out, only for them to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats in and deny access to others. The flap can provide a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out whenever they want. They can stay in their home at night if want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who may be out hunting in the night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are out at night.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats out and in - this is a major issue for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food or getting into 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 even give you peace of mind even when you're not home like when you go going out for dinner or on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can share the app 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 collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is essential to spend time educating your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it. Start by letting the flap open so that they can view and sniff around. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap. You can praise and reward them every time they do so. Once they're comfortable using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available, with many offering different features. You should select a cat-flap that's the appropriate size for your pet's needs so it can be able to enter and exit easily. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in various ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to access and leave the house. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to program, making them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you are away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window using an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial if you are concerned that your cat might wander off from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely lock the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's status through the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is especially useful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain plants such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it when they are still in a shaky state.
It's easy to teach your cat to utilize small hinged flaps that can be attached to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time, but when they've mastered it start, they should continue to follow the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They're more expensive however they work by putting a magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models have different locking options, allowing you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. These are great when you want to control the frequency at which your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or if you're not home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from your home for long periods of time and want to ensure that your cat is safe inside.
You can also opt for a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated by an app that means you can control your cat's access and exit easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater peace of mind and are safer for your pet. Some of these flaps even come with video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with 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 nature, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to master how to open the flap using a paw or head. Examining them from both the inside and out can help you determine the best methods to train them however, be aware that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them giving them treats. Place visit the next web page on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Call your cat through the flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it takes them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When 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 enjoy their newfound 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 and other animals like cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outside world it is possible to put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation they require. It also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also have the security of knowing that they can always return home whenever they wish to.