How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats but only to change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap could solve this issue.

It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. The flap can provide a number of advantages, including:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out as they please. If they prefer remain inside, they can do so at night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be hunting in the late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are left outside at night.

Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats out and in - this is a major concern for some pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as their own, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.

A microchip cat flap can provide security when you are not home like when you are going out for dinner or on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements within and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to enter and leave. You can also share your app access with friends and family so that they can keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away.

A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key can provide 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. You should spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open to let them see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap. Then praise and reward them every time they do so. Once they're confident with the flap, slowly close it.

Safety

There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet so that it can be opened and exit easily. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.

Some cat flaps are lockable in different ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to programme, making them perfect for homes with several cats.

Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements in the house even when you're not present. Certain models come with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window using an app on your smartphone.

This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat may wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely open their cat flap in case they get into any trouble.

You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system which offers more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.

Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors out of your home.

Convenience

Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even when they are still uneasy.

If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be affixed to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their favourite food. It's not easy to make them go through it the first time, but once they've done it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.

A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive, however, they function by using a magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and stop stray cats from entering your home.

Other models come with different locking options which allow you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entry only. These are useful if you need to control the frequency at which your cat goes and comes particularly at night or if you're not 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 that connects to your smartphone and can be operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater security and are more secure for your pets. Some of these flaps also include video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Training

It may take a while for a cat to become comfortable with going outdoors on its own, especially in the event that they've never used a flap before. Based on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide which training methods to use. Remember that every cat is different.

Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the cat flap, while speaking in an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.

When  cat flap installers  begins to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoors and let them explore their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as neighboring cats.

If you are unsure if your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it requires however, you should also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that may occur in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll be able to return home if they want to.