How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let their cats out and then to change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats and deny others access. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to come and go whenever they like. They can stay in their home at night if prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be out hunting during the night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal to your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from catching them.
Cats can get in and out through conventional cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their homes as territory, eat their food, or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep out other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could provide security when you are not home for instance, when you go away for the evening or out on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in 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 so that they can keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will add a further layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is essential to spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it - start by leaving the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. Holding out a favourite toy or a treat from either side of flap, praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market. A lot of them come with various features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. You should also look for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip 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 multiple cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to track the movements of your pets through the door or window by via an app on your phone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat could wander off from your home or are concerned about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can track the location of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they get into any trouble.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system which gives you more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is particularly useful if your cat is more aggressive or if they are older and be unable to use an ordinary flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors out of your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also decrease the amount of accidents that happen inside the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it in case they are uneasy.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be attached to a door or window it's easy enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them to use it by offering their favourite food. It's not easy to get them through the first time but once they've done it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive however, they function by using a magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a good option for families with multiple cats to keep stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed with an exit only, or only for entrance. They can be helpful for those who want to control when your cat goes out and come in, especially if it's late at night or you're not home. They may also be useful if you're away from your home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also select a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, but they offer greater security and are safer for your pets. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may need to be gently enthused and require time to learn to push the flap open with a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is different.
Rather than trying to push upvc door panels cat flap through the flap, it's better to attempt to encourage them giving them treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side, then call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to utilize the flap since they will realize the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other end.
Once upvc door panel with cat flap starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoor world and let them enjoy their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure whether your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can either lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they can always return home should they wish to.