How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and come to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap solves this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats access and deny access to others. There are many advantages of using a cat flap. These include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out as they please. If they choose to remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be hunting in the late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat could contract if not kept in the dark.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats out and in - this is a major issue for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, so 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 like when you are out for the evening or going on holiday. It connects to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of your home and lets you control the time they are allowed to come out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you set. It is possible to share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is crucial to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it - start by opening the flap so that they can view and sniff around. Holding out a favourite toy or treat from either side of the flap you can praise and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market. A lot of them come with different features. You should select a cat-flap that is the right size for your pet, so that it can enter and exit easily. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movement in the house even when you're not present. upvc door panel replacement cat flap come with smart technology that lets you monitor the movement of your pets through the window or door using an app on your smartphone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat may wander away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely open the flap on your cat's door and monitor your pet's status through the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more options to control who can access the door and when. This is particularly useful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to deter your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or 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, thus keeping out other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that take place within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent 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 to go through it even if they remain in a shaky state.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be attached to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them through it by using their favourite food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time, but once you do you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They are more expensive, however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and give access to your home. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models offer different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open and exit only or entry only. These can be useful when you want to regulate your cat's movements when they go out and come in especially late at night or you're not at home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a prolonged period of time and want to be sure your cat is safe.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater security and are safer for your pet. Some of these smart flaps even include video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Depending on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to push the flap open with a paw or head. Examining them from both the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them but be aware that all cats are different.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, try and encourage them by offering them treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Call them through the flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to utilize the flap since they will be able to see that it brings them closer to the reward on the other end.
Once your cat starts to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like neighboring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat is in a position to handle the outdoors, you can 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. You can ensure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it needs and provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. They will also have the security of knowing that they can always return home if they want to.