How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let their cats out and then to change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are a variety of advantages of having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to come and go whenever they want. They can stay in their home at night if wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be hunting during the night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will keep them from being bitten by them.
Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. see it here is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their homes as a territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one to access the door and exit.
A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind when you are not home like when you go going out for dinner or out on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. You can share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is important that you spend time training your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it. Start by letting the flap open to let them see and sniff around. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each time they do so. Once they are confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market. They all have various features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the appropriate size for your pet so it can be able to enter and exit easily. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain.
Some cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to program, which makes them perfect for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to monitor your pet's movements within the home even if you're not around. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is helpful when you're worried that your cat might wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely open the cat flap and check on your pet's status through 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 especially useful for cats that are old or aggressive and could struggle with a traditional flap. This option can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow entry if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also decrease the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's easy to teach your cat to utilize a small hinged flap that can be affixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through using their favorite food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, but work by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. These are a good option for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with different locking options that allow you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. These are useful if you need to control when your cat goes and comes particularly at night, or if you're not home. They are useful when you're away from home for a long period of time and want to be sure that your cat is secure.
You can also choose a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, that means you can control your cat's entrance and exit with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater security and are more secure for your pets. Some of these smart flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it may take some time to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Based on their nature, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to master how to push the flap open using a paw or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best methods of training to use. But remember that every cat is different.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, attempt to encourage them giving them treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side, then call them through the flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them roam around the outside and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like neighboring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outdoor world you can always keep them inside at night or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to ensure that they get 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. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to return home if they want to.