How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let their pets out and then to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap could solve this issue.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats and block access to other. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to move around whenever they please. If they want to, they can stay in at night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be out hunting late in the late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could prove fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will stop them from getting sick.
Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their house as their territory, eat their food, or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
It can also give you peace of mind when you're away from home, such as when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It connects to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the house and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come in and out via the smart curfew feature you can set. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so that they can see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap and praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is essential to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet, so that they can move between the two without difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and deter burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movements around the house even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to track the movement of your pets through the door or window by via an app on your phone.
This is a great option when you're worried that your cat may wander too far from home or you're worried about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely lock the cat flap and monitor your pet's health via the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you greater control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is particularly useful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with the traditional flap. This option can be used to keep your pets from coming in 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 when it is registered, thus 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 getting into your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain plants such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to go through it even when they are still hesitant.
upvc door panel replacement cat flap to teach your cat how to make use of the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through by using their preferred food. It may be difficult to teach your cat the first time however once you've mastered it, you will be able to make it a habit.
Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're more expensive however, they function by using the magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great choice for multi-cat households to prevent unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models have different locking options that allow you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. This is useful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and comes back, especially if it's late at night or you're not at home. These can be useful if you are away from home for an extended period of time and want to be sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This lets you control the entry and exit of your cat easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more security and are safer for your pets. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat's body to become comfortable with going out on their own if they have never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new experience very quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or head. Examining them from both the outside and inside can help you determine what methods to use to train them but remember that all cats are different.
Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it takes them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and enjoy their newfound freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as cats that live nearby.
If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outside world, you could always keep them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it requires however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. They'll also be secure knowing that they are able to return home whenever they want to.