How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

replacement upvc door panel with cat flap know the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let their cats out and then to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out at any time they wish. They can remain inside at night if they prefer, which reduces their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that may be out hunting during the night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might be exposed to if they are left outside at night.
Cats can get in and out through conventional cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their homes as a territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep out other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
It can also provide peace of mind if you're away from home, like when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It links to a hub and app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of your home and lets you control when they can come out and back in using a smart curfew feature that you set. You can share the app with your 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 add an additional layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it - start by opening the flap to let them see and sniff the outside world. Holding out a favourite toy or a treat from either side of flap, encourage and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot of them come with various features. It is important to select a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and exit easily. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and stop burglars from entering. You can lock them manually with a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movements around the house even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor the movements of your pets through the door or window via an app on your smartphone.
This is useful if you are concerned that your cat could wander too far away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and monitor your pet's condition using the app.
You can also choose a four way manual locking system which offers more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful if your cat is more aggressive or if they are older and have difficulty using a traditional flap. This can also be used to stop your pets coming in when they're sick or 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 regular cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to use it even if they remain in a shaky state.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be affixed 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 encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It may be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive, however they work by putting magnets on your pet's neck to open the flap. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models offer various locking options. You can set it to open or closed with an exit only, or entrance only. These are useful for those who need to regulate the frequency at which your cat is in and out, especially at night or when you're away. These can be useful in situations where you're away from home for a prolonged time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also select a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater security and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring, and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat's body to become used to being out on their own even if they've not used a flap before. Depending on how much to install a cat flap , some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently encouraged and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Watching them from the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods to use to train them however, remember that all cats are unique.
Instead of forcing 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 flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it brings them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat begins to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introducing them to the outdoors and let them explore their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outdoor world, you could always put them in a cage at night, or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation they require, but it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situation in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to return home if they wish to.