How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of waking in the middle of the night by a call to let their cats out, only to have them change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and deny access to others. There are many benefits to having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out whenever they want. If they prefer, they can stay in at the night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be hunting at night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal for your cat and therefore keeping them inside at night will stop them from being bitten by them.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats in and out - this is a major concern for some pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home as their own, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep out other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can provide security when you are not home, such as when you go going out for dinner or going on holiday. It connects to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements into and out of your home and allows you to regulate when they can come in and out via an intelligent curfew that you set. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has 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 from it. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each time they do so. When they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
fitting cat flap in upvc door panel
There are many different cat flaps available on the market. A lot of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat flap that suits the dimensions of your pet so that they can move in and out without any difficulty. You should also look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and stop burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to install, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movements in the house even when you're not around. Some models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track the movements of your pets through the door or window by using an app on your phone.
This can be useful when you're worried that your cat may wander away from home or you're concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the cat flap 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 especially helpful if your cat is aggressive or older and may struggle with an ordinary flap. This method can also be used to stop your pets from coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be fitted to a door or window it's easy 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 might be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it in. These are more expensive, however they work by putting magnets on your pet's neck to open the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed, exit only, or entrance only. These are useful if you need to control the time your cat goes and comes, especially at night or when you're away. They can also be helpful when you are away from your home for a long period of time and need to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled through 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, but they offer greater security and are more secure for your pets. Some of these smart flaps come with video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to become used to being outdoors on its own, especially if they have never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new environment very quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or heads. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside can help you decide what methods of training to use. But remember that every cat is different.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them roam around the outside and enjoy their newfound freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and ensure they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals like neighbouring cats.
If you are unsure whether your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can keep your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it requires and provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to return home if they want to.