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How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their pets out and only to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can help solve this problem.

It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. The flap can provide a variety of benefits, such as:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out at any time they wish. If they choose to, 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 in the night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.

Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats out and in - this is a major issue for some pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can 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 when you're away from home, such as when you are on vacation or out at night. It connects to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of the house and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and in via the smart curfew feature you can set. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets while you're away.

A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will add a further layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is important to spend time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap open so that they can see the outside world and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or treat from either side of flap you can praise and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. When they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.

Safety

There are many cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet so that it can be opened and exit easily. Find cat flap installer that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.

Certain cat flaps are lockable in various ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, making them perfect for homes with several cats.

Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements in the house even when you're not there. Some models have smart technology that allows you to track your pets' movements through the door or window by using an app on your smartphone.

This can be useful when you're worried that your cat might wander away from home, or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely open the cat flap and check on your pet's health via the app.

You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can access and exit the door. This is especially useful when your cat is a bit more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with the traditional flap. This method 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 a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.

Convenience

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 also feel enticed by the scent of plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to use it even if they remain hesitant.

If you have a small hinged panel that can be affixed to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them to use it by offering their favourite food. It may be difficult to get your cat through the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.

A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They are more expensive, however they work by putting magnets around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep stray animals from entering the property.

Other models come with different locking options which allow you to make it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. They are helpful for those who need to regulate the time your cat comes and goes, especially at night or when you're away. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from home for a long period of time and you need to ensure that your cat is safe inside.

You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, which means you can manage your cat's access and exit easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much more secure for your pet and provide more peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.

Training

It can take some time for a cat's body to become accustomed to going outside by itself even if they've not used a flap before. Depending on their personality, some are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will need to be gently encouraged and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is unique.

Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, attempt to encourage them using treats. Place an item on the other 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 using an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it leads them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.

When your cat starts to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.

If you're not sure whether your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can keep your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also have the security of knowing that they will be able to return home whenever they want to.