How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats and then to change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can help solve this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats in 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 safe and secure by allowing them in and out as they please. They can be inside at night if they wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that may be out hunting during the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will keep them from getting sick.
Cats are able to enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their home as a territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
It also gives you peace of mind when you're away from home, such as when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It connects to a hub as well as an app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home and lets you control the time they are allowed to come out and in via the smart curfew feature you can set. You can also share the app access with friends and family so that they can keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide additional security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance of it. You should spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. You can praise and reward them every when they do this. Once they are confident using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It is important to select one that is the proper size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and exit easily. Look for replacement upvc door panel with cat flap that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and stop burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to program, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movement within the home even if you're not around. Some models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window through an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat could wander away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they are in trouble.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that may struggle with a standard flap. This option can also be used to stop your pets coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping your neighbors' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps to reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it if they remain in a shaky state.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be fitted 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 by offering their favorite food. It's not easy to make them go through it the first time, but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive but work by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap, granting it access to your home. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats as they keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models come with various locking options. You can set it to open or close and exit only or only for entrance. They can be helpful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and comes back, especially if it's late at night or you're not home. They are useful if you are away from home for an extended time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also select a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can manage your cat's access and exit without difficulty. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much more secure for your pet and offer more security. Some of these flaps even have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of being out on their own. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new situation quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Observing them from the outside and inside can help you work out the best methods to train them, but be aware that all cats are different.
Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the flap while maintaining an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to utilize the flap since they will realize that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other end.
Once your cat is beginning to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introducing them to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoor world, you could always keep them inside at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be secure knowing that they are able to return home if they wish to.