How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can help solve this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats in and deny access to others. There are a number of advantages to using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out whenever they want. If they prefer stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This will decrease the chances of them being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat and so keeping them in at night will prevent them from getting sick.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for some pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their territory, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for your cat is the only one who can get in and out.
It can also give you peace of mind if you are away from home, for example when you go on vacation or out at night. It connects to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of your home and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and back in using the smart curfew feature you can set. You can also share the app access with friends and family so that they can keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide additional security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is essential to spend time teaching 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. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap and praise and reward them every when they do this. Once they're comfortable using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet's needs so it can be able to enter and out easily. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and deter burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to enter and exit the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movement in the house even when you're not present. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to track your pets' movements as they walk through the door or window using an app on your phone.
This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander too far away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they get into any trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is particularly useful for those with an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow entry only if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. upvc cat flap door panels are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that take place in 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 encourage them through it if they remain in a shaky state.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be attached to a window or door, it's simple 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 with their favorite food. It can be difficult to master the process the first time but when they've mastered it start, they should continue to follow the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. 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 and give it access to your home. 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 make it open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. They are helpful when you want to control the time your cat is in and out particularly at night or when you're away. They can also be helpful if you're away from your home for long periods of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safely indoors.
You can also select a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's entry and exit with ease. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these smart flaps include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new situation quickly. Others might require to be gently encouraged and need time to learn to open the flap using a paw or head. Observing them from the outside and inside can help you determine the best methods to train them, but be aware that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them giving them treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it takes them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When 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. It is important to watch your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals such as neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outdoor world, you could always put them in a cage at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also have the security of knowing that they can always return home if they want to.