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 but only to change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats and deny others access. There are double glazing cat flap of advantages of having a flap for your cat that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out as they please. If they want to, they can stay in at the night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be out hunting late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could be fatal for your cat, and so keeping them in at night will stop them from being bitten by them.
Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their homes as their territory or eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap may provide security when you're away like when you go away for the evening or out on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew to control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can also share your app access with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will add an additional 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 recommended to spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap open to let them observe the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat on either side of the flap, give your cat praise and a reward each time it pushes its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available with a variety of features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet, so that they can easily move in and out without any difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. cat flap installation near me can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not around. Some models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track the movements of your pets from the door or window by through an app on your phone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat might wander away from home, or you're worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap if they get into any trouble.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system which offers more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is particularly useful when your cat is a bit more aggressive or if they are older and be unable to use the traditional flap. This option can be used to deter your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow entry only if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also help to reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain plants such as cat thyme, 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.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be attached to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them through it by using their favourite food. It's not easy to master the process the first time, but once they do start, they should continue to follow the habit.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap, which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it in. They're more expensive, but work by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant access to your home. These are a great choice for multi-cat households to prevent stray animals from entering the property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close, exit only, or entry only. This is useful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in particularly late at night or when you're not at home. These can be useful if you are away from home for a long time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also select a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled via an app. This lets you manage the access and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater security and are more secure for your pet. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat's body to become accustomed to going out on their own if they have never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new experience quickly. Certain cats need to be gently encouraged and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or head. Examining them from both the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them however, be aware that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead try to encourage them giving them treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions more enjoyable on both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it takes them closer to their 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 out in the open and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as neighboring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outside world, you could always lock them in at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it needs, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that could occur in the home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll always be able to return home if they want to.