How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out, only to have them change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. There are many advantages of using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to go and come whenever they please. If they prefer remain inside, they can do so at night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be out hunting late in the night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could catch if they are left outside at night.
Cats are able to enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their house as their territory and eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can provide security when you are not home, such as when you are going out for dinner or out on holiday. It links to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of your home and enables you to control when they are allowed in and out via the smart curfew feature you set. It is possible to share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add a further layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is essential to spend time educating your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it. Start by letting the flap open so that they can view and smell the world around them. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of flap, encourage and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. When they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot of them come with various features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and out without difficulty. You should also look for a durable product that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Some cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually with a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to monitor your pet's movements in the house even when you're not there. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to track the movements of your pets through the door or window through an app on your phone.
This is helpful when you're worried that your cat could wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely open their cat flap should they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism, which gives you more control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with the traditional flap. This is a great option to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.
It's simple to teach your cat how to utilize a small hinged flap that can be fixed to a door or window. upvc door panel with cat flap fitted treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through by using their preferred food. It can be difficult to get them through 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 access to. These are more expensive however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap, granting access to your home. They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models provide different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed with an exit only, or entry only. They are helpful if you need to control the frequency at which your cat is in and out particularly at night or when you're away. They can be helpful in situations where you're away from home for an extended time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also select a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This lets you control the entrance and exit of your cat easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new environment quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Observing them from the outside and inside will help you figure out the best methods to train them, but be aware that all cats are different.
Instead of yelling your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side, then call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the training sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap and notice that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as neighboring cats.
If you're not sure whether your cat is in a position to handle the outdoors, you can either 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. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it requires, but you can also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could occur in the home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll always be able to return home if they want to.