How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let their cats out, only to have them change their minds and decide to return later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats and block access to other. A cat flap has a number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to come and go whenever they like. They can be inside at night if they prefer, which reduces their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who might be out hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from being bitten by them.
Cats can get in and out through conventional cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their home as a territory or eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap may even give you peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you go out for the evening or going on holiday. It connects to a hub and app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of the house and enables you to control when they are allowed out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you can set. You can also share the app access with friends and family so that they can keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by permitting them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is crucial to spend time educating your cat to use the flap especially if they're not familiar with it. Begin by opening the flap to let them see and sniff the outside world. By distributing a favorite toy or food item on either side of the flap, praise and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer various features. It is important to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet so that they can move between the two without difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track the movements of your pets through the window or door via an app on your smartphone.
This is useful if you're concerned that your cat could wander away from home or are worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely open their cat flap if they are in trouble.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system which offers more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This option can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow entry only if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen in the home. Many cats are also drawn by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be attached to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, it should become a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They are more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant it access to your home. upvc door panels with cat flap can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open and exit only or only for entrance. These are useful if you need to control when your cat comes and goes, especially at night or if you're not home. They are also useful if you're away from home for a long period of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safely indoors.
You can also choose a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled via an app. This lets you control 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 flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of going outside on their own. Based on their nature, some are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Certain cats need to be gently urged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Watching them from the inside and out can help you determine the best methods to train them but keep in mind that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them giving them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while maintaining an ebullient, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals such as cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoor world it is possible to lock them in at night, or leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs and provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that could occur in the home. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they can always return home if they want to.