How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being awakened up in the late at night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.

It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. There are a variety of advantages to having a flap for your cat that are:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out as they please. They can be in their home at night if wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that may be out hunting during the late at night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.

Cats can get in and out through conventional cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their homes as a territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat, and then 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 out on holiday. It connects to a hub and app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of the house and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and back in using the smart curfew feature you can set. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.

A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only the ability to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is important to spend time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not used to using one. Start by leaving the flap open so that they can see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then give them praise and rewards each time they do so. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer various features. You should choose one that is the appropriate size for your pet so it can be able to enter and exit easily. Look for a durable material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.

Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and prevent burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple cats.

Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not present. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the window or door using an app on your smartphone.

This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat could wander off from your home, or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can track the location of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they get into any trouble.

You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who can enter and leave. This is especially helpful if your cat is aggressive or older and may struggle with the traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside.

cat flap cost near me repairmywindowsanddoors choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip, and allow it to enter 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 getting into your home.

Convenience


Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that occur inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.

If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be fitted to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them to use it by offering their favorite food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, it should become a habit.

A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They're more expensive, but work by using an electronic device attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the home.

Other models come with various locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open and exit only or entry only. This is useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and returns particularly late at night and you're not home. They can also be helpful when you are away from your home for long periods of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safely indoors.

You can also select a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's access and exit easily. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much more secure for your pet and provide more peace of mind. Some of these smart flaps even come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Training

If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it can take a while 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 adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what methods of training to use. Remember that every cat is different.

Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them offering them treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap and notice that it leads them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.

When your cat begins to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can begin introduction to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Some cats could be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, including neighbouring cats.

If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outdoors it is possible to keep them inside at night, or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it requires however, you should also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They'll also feel secure knowing they can always return home if they choose to.