How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of waking in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out but only to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.

It works by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. A cat flap has a number of advantages, including:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out whenever they want. If they want to remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will reduce the chance of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be hunting in the night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could prove fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will prevent them from being bitten by them.

Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats in and out - this is a big worry for pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.

It also gives you peace of mind when you are away from home, such as when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It links to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the home and allows you to regulate when they can come out and in via an intelligent curfew that you can set. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.

A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain 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 letting the flap open so that they can see and sniff around. Holding out a favourite toy or treat from either side of the flap, encourage and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, you can slowly close it.

Safety

There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It is important to select one that is the appropriate size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in various ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.

Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not present. Some models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor the movement of your pets through the window or door via an app on your phone.

This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat may wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can check the status of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they are in trouble.

You can also choose a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is especially helpful if your cat is old or aggressive and could struggle with an ordinary flap.  repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk  can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in if they're unwell 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, keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they work well to keep your neighbors' cats away from your house.

Convenience

Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that occur in the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.

If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be fitted 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 through it by using their favorite food. It can be difficult to get your cat through the first time, but once you do the practice will become habitual.

A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They are more expensive, but work by using an electronic device attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. These are a great choice for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.

Other models come with various locking options. You can set it to open or closed with an exit only, or entry only. They can be helpful when you want to regulate your cat's movements when they go out and come in particularly late at night and you're not at home. They are useful when you're away from home for an extended time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.

You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit easily. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.

Training

It can take time for a cat to become comfortable with going out on their own even if they've never used a flap before. Depending on their personality, some are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn how to push the flap open using a paw or head. Watching them from the inside and outside can help you work out the best methods to train them, but keep in mind that every cat is unique.

Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.

Once your cat is beginning to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the cats in the area.

If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outside world you can always lock them in at night, or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.