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 out their cats, only to have them change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats and deny others access. There are a number of advantages of using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out as they please. They can be in the dark if they want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that may be out hunting in the late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are not kept in the dark.
Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as territory and eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can even provide peace of mind when you're away like when you are out for the evening or on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can also share your app access with family and friends so that they can monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will add a further layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is essential to spend time educating your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it. Start by opening the flap so that they can see and smell the world around them. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap you can give your cat praise and a reward each time it pushes its head through. When they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is important to select one that is the proper size for your pet, so that it can enter and out easily. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and stop burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to install, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movement in the house even when you're not around. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window by using an app on your phone.
upvc door panel replacement cat flap is a great option if you're concerned that your cat might wander too far from home or you're concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status 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 more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly useful if your cat is aggressive or older and may be unable to use the traditional flap. This method can also be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip, and allow it to enter if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that occur in 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 tiny hinged panel that can be affixed to a door or window it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them through it by using their favourite food. It might be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it in. These are more expensive, but they work by using a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. They can be helpful for those who want to control when your cat goes out and returns, especially if it's late at night or you're not at home. They may also be useful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and need to ensure that your cat is in a safe place.
You can also select a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and offer more security. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to get used to being outside by itself in the event that they've not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide which training methods to employ. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through 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 prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the cat flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap and notice that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat is beginning to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them experience their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outdoor world, you could always lock them in at night or leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it needs however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that could occur in the home. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they will be able to come back home if they'd like to.