How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their cats out, only for them to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap could solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are a variety of advantages to using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to move around whenever they like. They can remain in their home at night if prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that may be out hunting at late at night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are out at night.
Cats can get in and out through conventional cat flaps. This is a worry for pet owners who don't want neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their homes as territory, eat their food, or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.
It also gives you peace of mind if you're away from home, for example when you go on vacation or go out at night. It connects to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the home and enables you to control when they are allowed in and out via an intelligent curfew that you set. You can also share access to the app with friends and family so that they can keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap open so that they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Holding out cat flap in upvc door panel or food item from either side of the flap, give your cat praise and a reward every time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer various features. It is important to select the right cat flap for 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 variety of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to program, making them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the windows or doors through an app that you can download on your phone.
This is a great option when you're worried that your cat might wander away from home or you're concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they get into any trouble.
You can also choose a four way manual locking system that offers more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful if your cat is aggressive or older and may have difficulty using a traditional flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also decrease the number of toileting accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it in case they are in a shaky state.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be fitted to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat 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.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive, however they work by putting 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 multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models offer various locking options. You can set it to open or closed and exit only or only for entrance. They are helpful for those who need to regulate the time your cat is in and out particularly at night, or when you're not home. They are also useful if you're away from home for a long period of time and you need to ensure your cat remains in a safe place.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's access and exit with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to get comfortable with going outdoors on its own, especially if they have not used a flap before. Based on their individual nature, some cats are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Certain cats need to be gently urged and taught to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Watching them from the inside and out can help you work out what methods to use to train them, but remember that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead try to encourage them offering 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. Call your cat through the flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it takes 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 explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like neighboring cats.
If you're not sure whether your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require. It also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situations in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be secure knowing that they will be able to come back home if they want to.