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 pets out, only for them to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats and block access to other. There are a variety of benefits to having a cat flap that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out whenever they want. If they choose to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be 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 prevent them from being bitten by them.
Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This is a worry for pet owners who don't want their neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their home as their territory, eat their food, or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for your cat is the only one to be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you go 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 house. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to enter and leave. You can also share your app access with friends and family to ensure that they monitor your pets while you're away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by the ability to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is crucial to spend time training your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it. Start by leaving the flap open to let them see and sniff around. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of flap and praise and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet, to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to programme, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movement within the home even if you're not present. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to track your pets' movements as they walk through the window or door through an app on your phone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat might wander too far from home, or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the cat flap and monitor your pet's status through the app.
You can also select a four way manual locking system, which offers more options to decide who can access the door and when. upvc door panel replacement cat flap is especially helpful for cats that are aggressive or older and may be unable to use the traditional flap. This method can be used to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, thereby keeping out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good way to keep your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also help reduce the amount of accidents that take place within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them through it when they are still uneasy.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be fitted to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them through it by using their favourite food. It's not easy to master the process the first time, but once they do begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and give access to your home. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models have different locking options which allow you to make it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. These can be useful if you want to control your cat's movements when they go out and returns particularly late at night or when you're not home. They can also be helpful if you're away from your home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.
You can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This lets you manage the entry and exit of your cat easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much more secure for your pet and provide more security. Some of these flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to get accustomed to going outside by itself in the event that they've not used a flap before. Based on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gently encouraged and need time to learn to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide which methods of training to use. Remember that every cat is different.
Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, it's better to try and encourage them by offering them treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side, then call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier for both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it takes them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introduction to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outdoors, you could always lock them in at night or just 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 exercise and enrichment it needs, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in the home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they can always return home if they want to.