How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their cats out, only for them to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. A cat flap offers number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. They can remain in their home at night if prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that may be out hunting during the night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will stop them from catching them.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats out and in - this is a major concern 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 flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only cat to access the door and exit.
It can also give you peace of mind when you are away from home, such as when you are on vacation or go out at night. It connects to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of the house and enables you to control when they can come out and in via an intelligent curfew that you can set. You can share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by letting the flap open to let them see and smell the world around them. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then give them praise and rewards each time they do so. Once they are confident using the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are a myriad 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 dimensions of your pet so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. You should also search for a durable product that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movements around the house even when you're away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to track your pets' movements through the window or door through an app that you can download on your phone.
This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat may wander off from your home or are concerned about their access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and monitor your pet's status through the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This is a great option to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or it is raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors out of your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of plants such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to go through it even when they are still uneasy.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be fitted to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It can be difficult to master the process the first time but once they do start, they should continue to follow the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're more expensive, but they function by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap, granting it access to your home. upvc door panel with cat flap fitted are a great solution for multi-cat households and stop stray cats from entering your home.
Other models have different locking options that allow you to make it open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. These can be useful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in especially late at night and you're not at home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a prolonged time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled via an app. This lets you manage the entrance and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring, and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.
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 being outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new experience very quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side, then call them through the flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap as they will be able to see that it brings them closer to the reward on the other end.
When your cat starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. upvc door panel with cat flap fitted is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather or other animals, including neighboring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it needs however, you should also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll be able to return home should they wish to.