How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their cat out and only to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. learn here can provide a number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to go and come whenever they please. They can be in the dark if they prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be out hunting at night. Many of these animals have diseases that could be fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from catching them.
Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats out and in - this is a big worry for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap can provide security even when you're not home like when you are out 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 create a smart curfew that will regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap especially if they are not familiar with it. Begin by letting the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap and praise and reward them every when they do this. Once they're confident with the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer various features. It is essential to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable product that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain.
Some cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to install, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not present. Some models have smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements through the window or door through an app on your phone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat might wander away from home or are worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they do get into trouble.
You can also opt for a four way manual locking system that gives you more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is especially helpful if your cat is more aggressive or if they are older and have difficulty using an ordinary flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also help reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be attached to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them through it by using their favorite food. It may be difficult to make them go through it 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 to access. They are more expensive, however they work by putting an electronic device attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with different locking options which allow you to make it open, closed, exit only or entry only. These can be useful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in, especially if it's late at night or you're not home. These can be useful when you're away from home for a long 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 allows you to control the entrance and exit of your cat easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much safer for your pets and offer more security. Some of these flaps even include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it can take a while to get them used to the idea of going outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new situation very quickly. Some cats will require to be gently urged and taught to open the flap using their paws or head. Watching them from the outside and inside will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them but remember that all cats are unique.
Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the cat flap, while speaking in a calm, positive voice. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them explore their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, including neighboring cats.
If you are unsure whether your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can either lock them inside at night or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it needs, but you can also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to come back home if they wish to.