How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cat out but only to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can help solve this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats access and deny access to others. There are through wall cat flap to having a cat flap that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out whenever they want. If they choose to, they can stay in at night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be hunting in the night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could contract if out at night.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats in and out - this is a major concern for pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their territory, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind even when you're not home, such as when you go away for the evening or going on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can also share your app access with family and friends so that they can monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of security to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap especially if they are not familiar with it. Begin by letting the flap open to let them see and sniff the outside world. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of the flap and give your cat praise and a reward each time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer various features. It is important to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet, so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and deter burglars from entering. upvc cat flap door panels can lock them manually with a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to set up, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movements in the house even when you're not around. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat might wander off from your home or are concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap if they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is particularly helpful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that may struggle with a standard flap. This method can also be used to stop your pets from coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, thus keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors out of your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain plants such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to go through it even when they are still uneasy.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be attached to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It can be difficult to master the process the first time, but once they do, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. 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 are a good option for households with multiple cats to stop stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options which allow you to make it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. They can be helpful when you want to regulate the time your cat is allowed to go out and comes back especially late at night or when you're not home. They may also be useful when you are away from your home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure your cat remains in a safe place.
You can also choose a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This lets you control the entrance and exit of your cat easily. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more peace of mind and are safer for your pet. Some of these flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere 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 going out on their own. Based on their individual nature, some are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will require to be gently urged and taught to open the flap with their paws or head. Examining them from both the inside and outside can help you determine what methods you can use to train them but remember that all cats are unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the cat flap, while speaking in a calm, positive voice. This will allow your cat to 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 begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them roam around the outside and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outdoor world it is possible to 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 ensure that your cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it needs, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may occur in the home. They'll also feel secure knowing they can always return home should they wish to.