How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cats out and only to change their minds and decide to go to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats and deny others access. There are a variety of benefits to using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out whenever they want. They can stay in their home at night if want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who might be hunting in the night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are out at night.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats out and in - this is a big worry for some pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their home as their territory, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap may even give you peace of mind even when you're not home, such as when you are away for the evening or on holiday. It connects to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of your home and lets you control when they can come out and back in using the smart curfew feature you set. You can also share your app access with family and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by permitting them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so that they can observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap. You can praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer different features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out without 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 stop burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to programme, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to track your pets' movements through the window or door by using an app on your smartphone.
cat flap in upvc door panel can be useful when you're worried that your cat may wander away from home, or you're concerned about their access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely lock the flap on your cat's door and monitor your pet's condition using the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that offers more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip and only let it in if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. These can be placed either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.
It's easy to teach your cat how to use a small hinged flap that can be affixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through using their preferred food. It might be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. These are more expensive but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting it access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they stop stray cats from entering your property.
Other models offer different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open and exit only or only for entrance. These can be useful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and returns particularly late at night or when you're not at home. They are also useful if you're away from your home for a long period of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safely indoors.
You can also choose 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 aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're safer for your pets and provide more peace of mind. Some of these flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
It can take some time for a cat's body to become accustomed to going out on their own in the event that they've never used a flap before. Based on their nature, some are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Observing them from the inside and out can help you work out what methods you can use to train them but be aware that all cats are different.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Open the flap slightly (not enough to see the other side) and place treats on the other side. Call them through the flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it takes them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat starts to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, including neighboring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outside world it is possible to put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap unlocked 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 needs and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that might arise in the home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home if they choose to.