How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of getting up in the middle night to let their pets out and then to change their mind and want to return later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. replacement upvc door panels with cat flap can provide a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to move around whenever they want. They can remain in their home at night if want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be out hunting during the night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are not kept in the dark.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats in and out - this is a big worry for pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by identifying 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 when you are not home for instance, when you are going out for dinner or on holiday. It links to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements into and out of the home and allows you to regulate when they are allowed in and out via the smart curfew feature you set. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're 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 only the ability to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is crucial to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not familiar with it. Begin by opening the flap to let them see and smell the world around them. Holding out a favourite toy or treat on either side of the flap and encourage and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer different features. It is important to select a cat flap that suits the size 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.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to programme, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models come with smart technology that enables you to track your pet's' movements when you walk through the door or window using an app on your phone.
This is useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander off from your home or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely open the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's status through the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also reduce the number of accidents that occur inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put on either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be attached to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them to use it by offering their favourite food. It can be difficult to make them go through it the first time but once they do begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. These are more expensive, however, they function by using a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models have different locking options that allow you to make it open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. They are helpful for those who need to regulate when your cat is in and out, especially at night or if you're not home. They may also be useful if you're away from your home for extended periods of time and want to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also select a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This allows you to manage the entrance and exit of your cat easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much more secure for your pet and provide more security. Some of these smart flaps even come with video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to learn to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Observing them from the outside and inside can help you work out the best methods to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are different.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, you should instead try to encourage them offering them treats. Prop the flap open just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap because they will be able to see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other side.
When your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Certain cats are susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, such as neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outdoors, you could always lock them in at night or leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll be able to return home if they choose to.