How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of being woken 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 issue. It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats in and deny access to others. There are a variety of advantages of having a flap for your cat that are: Peace of Mind Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out whenever they want. If they prefer, they can stay in at the night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be out hunting late at late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are left outside at night. Cats are able to enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as territory and eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one to access the door and exit. A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind when you are 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 movement in 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 so that they can monitor your pets while you're away. A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide an additional layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance from it. You should spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so that they can observe the outside world and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or food item from either side of flap and encourage and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident you can gradually close the flap. Safety There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. You should select a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand rain, paws and claws. Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats. One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pets movements around the house even when you're away from home. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements through the window or door by using an app on your phone. This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat could wander away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely open their cat flap in case they do get into trouble. You can also choose a four way manual locking system which offers more options to decide who can go in and out. This is particularly useful for cats that are aggressive or older and may be unable to use an ordinary flap. This option can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home 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, thus blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they work well to keep the cats of your neighbors away from your home. Convenience Having unrestricted access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant. It's easy to teach your cat to make use of the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through with their preferred food. It might be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, you will be able to make it a habit. A magnetic cat flap can also be used. cat flap fitters recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They are more expensive, however, they function by using the magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property. Other models offer different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open and exit only or only for entrance. These are useful when you want to control when your cat is in and out, especially at night or when you're away. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a long time and want to make sure your cat is safe. You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much more secure for your pet and provide more peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection. Training If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Based on their individual personality, some are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will need to be gently urged and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide which methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat is unique. Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to utilize the flap since they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other end. When your cat begins to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoors and let them explore their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals, such as the cats in the area. If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outside world you can always put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap open to ensure that 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, but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situation in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they can always return home if they want to.