How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of getting up 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 could solve this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. There are many benefits to using a cat flap. These include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. If they choose to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be hunting at 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 being bitten by them.
Cats can enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their house as territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only cat to access the door and exit.
It can also give you peace of mind if you're away from home, like when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It links to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements into and out of the home and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come out and in via the smart curfew feature you can set. You can also share the app access with friends and family so that they can monitor your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance of it. You should spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not used to using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so that they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or food item from either side of flap, encourage and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. It's important to choose one that is suitable for the size of your pet so that they can easily move in and out without any difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and deter burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. upvc door panel with cat flap can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models have intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements as they walk through the window or door through an app on your phone.
This is helpful when you're worried that your cat could wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can track the location of your pet's health using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system which gives you more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is especially helpful if your cat is more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, thereby keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen in the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them through it when they are still uneasy.
It's simple to teach your cat to make use of the small hinged flap that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through with their preferred food. It's not easy to get them through the first time but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. These are more expensive however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap, granting access to your home. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. This is useful if you want to control your cat's movements when they go out and come in especially late at night or when you're not home. These can be useful if you are away from home for a long time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also select an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This lets you control the access and exit of your cat easily. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're more secure for your pet and provide more peace of mind. Some of these smart flaps even include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat to become accustomed to going outside by itself in the event that they've never used a flap before. Based on their personality, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may require being gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to push the flap open using a paw or head. Observing them from the inside and out can help you work out what methods you can use to train them however, keep in mind that all cats are different.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, try to encourage them giving them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the cat flap while maintaining an ebullient, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to utilize the flap since they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other end.
Once your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outside world you can always put them in a cage at night or leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situation in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home should they wish to.