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 by a call to let their pets out but only to change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap could solve this problem.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are a number of advantages of having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to move around whenever they want. If they choose to remain inside, they can do so at night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be hunting in the night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will keep them from getting sick.
Cats are able to enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their house as territory and eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.
It can also provide peace of mind when you're away from home, such as when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It is linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements within and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can also share your app access with family members and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it - start by opening the flap so that they can view and smell the world around them. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap and beg them to do so each when they do this. Once they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. It is essential to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet, so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws claws and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and stop burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock or opt for microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with several cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the door or window by via an app on your phone.
This is helpful in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet using the app and remotely open their cat flap if they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism 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 who might struggle with a traditional flap. This is a great option to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or it is raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also decrease the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's easy to teach your cat how to utilize small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through by using their favorite food. It can be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, it should become a habit.
window cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models have different locking options which allow you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entrance only. They can be helpful for those who want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in particularly late at night and you're not at home. These can be useful when you're away from home for an extended time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This lets you control the access and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Based on like this , some are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and taught to open the flap using their paws or heads. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by offering them treats. The flap should be opened just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate 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 can let them roam around the outside and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure whether your cat can cope with the outdoor world it is possible to keep them inside at night or just leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs however, you should also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that may occur in the home. They will also be secure knowing that they will be able to return home whenever they wish to.