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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 to let their cats out, only to have them change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap can solve this issue.

It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and restrict access to all other cats. There are a number of advantages of using a cat flap. These include:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out whenever they want. They can stay in their home at night if wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be hunting during the night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could catch if they are not kept in the dark.

Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their house as a territory, eat their food, or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.

It can also provide peace of mind if you're away from home, for example when you are on vacation or out at night. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. You can also share the app access with family and friends to ensure that they monitor your pets while you're away.

A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide an additional layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is important that you spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it - start by letting the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each time they do it. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.

Safety

There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It is important to select one that is the right size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and out easily. Choose Repair My Windows And Doors that can withstand rain, paws and claws.

Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, making them perfect for homes with several cats.

One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the windows or doors using an app that you can download on your phone.

This is helpful in the event that you are worried that your cat may wander away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they are in trouble.

You can also select a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you greater control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially useful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may have difficulty using a traditional flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or if it's raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thus keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats from entering your home.

Convenience

Having unrestricted access to the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that take place in the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain herbs such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them through it in case they are in a shaky state.

It's simple to teach your cat to use small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through by using their preferred food. It may be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, it should become a habit.

A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. These are more expensive however they work by putting a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting it access to your home. These are a good option for multi-cat households to prevent stray animals from entering the property.

Other models provide different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed with an exit only, or entry only. These can be useful if you want to control your cat's movements when they go out and come in, especially if it's late at night and you're not at home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from your home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.

You can also opt for a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated by an app that means you can control your cat's access and exit easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much safer for your pets and provide more peace of mind. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it can take a while to get them used to the idea of going out on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will need to be gently urged and taught to open the flap with their paws or heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. Remember that every cat is different.

Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them using 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 cat flap, while speaking in an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap and notice that it brings them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.

Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoor environment and let them explore their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as neighboring cats.

If you are unsure whether your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation they require. It also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll always be able to return home should they wish to.