How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of waking in the middle night to let out their cats but only to change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap has a number of advantages, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. They can stay in the dark if they want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who may be out hunting during the night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal for your cat and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from getting sick.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats out and in - this is a major concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as their territory, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
It can also give you peace of mind when you are away from home, like when you go on vacation or out at night. It's linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew to regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. You can share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will add an additional layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance of it. You should spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap and encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is important to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet, so that they can easily move in and out without any difficulty. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. upvc cat flap door panels can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, which makes them perfect for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movement within the home even if you're not present. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to monitor the movements of your pets through the window or door via an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat could wander too far away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely open the flap for your cat and check your pet's status through the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system that offers more options to control who can access the door and when. This is especially useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that occur inside the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to use it even when they are still hesitant.
It's easy to teach your cat to utilize 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 walk through by using their favorite food. It may be difficult to make them go through it the first time, but once they've done it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap that recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. These are more expensive, but they work by using the magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models have different locking options which allow you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entry only. These are great for those who need to regulate when your cat goes and comes, especially at night or when you're not home. They can be helpful in situations where you're away from home for a prolonged period of time and want to be sure your cat is safe.
You can also choose a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This allows you to manage the access and exit of your cat with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer 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 with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it could take a while for them to get accustomed 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. Others may need to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to master how to open the flap with a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it takes them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals like neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat can cope with the outside world you can always lock them in at night or leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in the home. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to return home if they want to.