How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of waking in the middle night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap can help solve this issue.

It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats in and restrict access to all other cats. There are a number of benefits to having a flap for your cat that include:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they please. If they prefer, they can stay in at night. This reduces the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be out hunting late in the late at night. These animals could carry deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are left outside at night.

Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats inside and out. This is a big worry for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.

It also gives you peace of mind when you're away from home, for example when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night.  upvc cat flap door panels  links to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come in and out via a smart curfew feature that you set. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pets whilst you are away.

A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide an additional layer of security by allowing only 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 particularly crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap. Then give them praise and rewards each when they do this. When 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 various features. It is important to select one that is suitable for the dimensions of your pet so that they can easily move into and out with no difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.

Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to install, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.

One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the door or window through an app on your smartphone.

This is useful if you're concerned that your cat may wander too far from home or you're concerned about their access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely lock the cat flap and monitor your pet's condition using the app.

You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system that offers more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or it's raining outside.

Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if 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 out of your home.

Convenience

Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the scent of herbs such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to use it even when they are still uneasy.

If you have a small hinged panel that can be attached to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their favorite 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.

Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap, that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. They are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.

Other models offer different locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open with an exit only, or entry only. This is useful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and returns especially late at night or when you're not at home. They are useful when you're away from home for a prolonged time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.

You can also select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This lets you control the access and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. 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 cat flaps come with video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere connected to the Internet.

Training

It can take some time for a cat to become accustomed to going outside by itself even if they've never used a flap before. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may require being gently enthused and require time to master how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Examining your cat from the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best methods of training to use. Remember that every cat is different.

Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Place a treat 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 using a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn how to utilize the flap since they will see the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other side.

When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoors and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as cats that live nearby.

If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outside world, you could always keep them inside at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situation in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they can always return home if they want to.