How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and decide to go to return within minutes. A cat flap solves this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are a variety of benefits to having a flap for your cat that are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to come and go whenever they please. If they prefer remain inside, they can do so at night. This will reduce the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be out hunting late in the late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat might be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.
Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their homes as their territory or eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one to get in and out.
It can also provide peace of mind when you are away from home, like when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It's connected to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to enter and leave. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet when 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 allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is essential to spend time training your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it - start by letting the flap open so that they can view and smell the world around them. Holding out a favourite toy or treat on either side of the flap you can praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It is important to select the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet to allow them to move in and out without any difficulty. You should also search for a durable product that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to monitor your pet's movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to track the movement of your pets through the door or window via an app on your smartphone.
This is useful if you're concerned that your cat might wander off from your home or are concerned about their access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely lock the flap on your cat's door and check on your pet's health via the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who is able to enter and leave. This is particularly helpful for those with an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It also helps to reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain plants such as 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 uneasy.
It's simple to teach your cat to make use of a 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 with their favorite food. upvc door panels cat flap can be difficult to get your cat through the first time, but once you do the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive but they function by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and grant it access to your home. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with various locking options. You can set it to open or closed with an exit only, or entrance only. They are helpful if you need to control the frequency at which your cat goes and comes particularly at night, or if you're not home. They are useful when you're away from home for a long period of time and want to be sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This allows you to manage the access and exit of your cat easily. These 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 smart cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat's body to become accustomed to going out on their own if they have never used a flap before. Based on their individual nature, some are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Others may require being gentle and encouragable, and will need time to master how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Watching them from the inside and out can help you work out what methods to use to train them, but be aware that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, try to encourage them giving them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap because they will see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other end.
When your cat starts to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, including cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outdoors, you could always keep them inside at night or just leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll be able to return home should they wish to.