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How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let out their cats, only to have them change their minds and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.

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

Peace of mind

Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to move around whenever they like. They can remain in their home at night if prefer, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will stop them from being bitten by them.

Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats out and in - this is a major concern for some pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.

It can also give you peace of mind when you're away from home, for example when you are on vacation or out at night. It connects to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of your home and lets you control the time they are allowed to come out and in via an intelligent curfew that you set. You can also share access to the app with friends and family so that they can monitor your pet while you are away.

A microchip cat flap 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 crucial to spend time educating your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't familiar with it. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can view and smell the world around them. Holding out a favourite toy or a treat on either side of the flap, encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. When they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.

Safety

There are many different cat flaps available on the market. They all have different features. It is essential to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet so that they can easily move in and out without any difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.

Some cat flaps are lockable in various ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. cat flap fitting near me can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to access and leave the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.

Microchip cat flaps are a great method to monitor your pet's movements in the house even when you're not around. Some models have smart technology that enables you to track your pets' movements through the windows or doors through an app on your smartphone.

This is helpful when you're worried that your cat could wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely open their cat flap in case they get into any trouble.

You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that offers more options to control who can access the door and when. This is especially useful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and be unable to use a traditional flap. This can be used to deter 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 it is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they work well to keep the cats of your neighbors away from your home.

Convenience

Having unrestricted access to the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of plants such as 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 tiny 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 opposite side of the flap and encouraging them through it by using their favourite food. It can be difficult to make them go through it the first time but once they do, they should take up the habit.

Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap that recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. They're more expensive, but work by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property.

Other models come with different locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entry only. These are useful for those who need to regulate when your cat comes and goes, especially at night or if you're not home. They are also useful if you're away from your home for a long period of time and want to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.

You can also select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This lets you manage the access and exit of your cat with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. 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 could take a while to get them used to the idea of going out on their own. Based on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Examining them from both the inside and outside can help you work out the best methods to train them but be aware that every cat is unique.

Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them giving them treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions easier for both of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it leads them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.

When your cat starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, including neighboring cats.


If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outdoor world you can always lock them in at night or just leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situation in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be secure knowing that they are able to return home whenever they'd like to.

Read More: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/leeds-cat-flap-installer-near-me/