How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their cat out but only to change their minds and come to go back in a few minutes. upvc cat flap door panels solves this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are many advantages of having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to come and go whenever they please. They can remain inside at night if they wish, which will reduce their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who may be out hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will stop them from being bitten by them.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats in and out - this is a major concern for some pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their home as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.
A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind when you're away like when you go going out for dinner or out on holiday. It links to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of your home and lets you control when they can come out and in via a smart curfew feature that you can set. The app can be shared with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet 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 of it. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can see the outside world and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or treat from either side of flap and encourage and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps on the market. A lot of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet, so that it can be opened and exit easily. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to program, 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 movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window by via an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat could 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 cat flap and monitor your pet's status through the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that offers more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is particularly useful if your cat is old or aggressive and could be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thereby keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they work well to keep the cats of your neighbors out of your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the number of accidents that take place within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
It's easy to teach your cat how to make use of a small hinged flap that can be affixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through with their preferred food. It might be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're 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 households with multiple cats to stop stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options, allowing you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. They are helpful if you need to control when your cat goes and comes, especially at night or if you're not home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a long time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This allows you to control the entry and exit of your cat with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more security and are safer for your pet. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it could take a while to get them used to the idea of being out on their own. Based on their nature, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may require being gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn how to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Examining them from both the inside and out can help you determine what methods you can use to train them, but be aware that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead attempt to encourage them using treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the training sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap as they will be able to see that it brings them closer to the reward at the other end.
When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as neighboring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outdoor world you can always put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it needs however, you should also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that could occur in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home if they want to.