How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to 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 return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this issue.
Home Page works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. There are a number of advantages of having a cat flap that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to go and come whenever they please. If they choose to stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This will decrease the chances of them being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be out hunting late in the night. These animals could carry deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are out at night.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats out and in - this is a big worry for pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit.
It also gives you peace of mind when you're away from home, such as when you are on vacation or go out at night. It's linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movement in and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can also share access to the app with friends and family to ensure that they monitor your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by permitting them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is crucial to spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it. Start by leaving the flap open to let them see and smell the world around them. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item on either side of the flap you can give your cat praise and a reward each time it puts its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer various features. It is important to select one that is the proper size for your pet so it can be able to enter and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window by through an app on your phone.
This is useful if you are concerned that your cat might wander off from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they get into any trouble.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially useful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat who might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can also be used to prevent your pets coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It also helps to reduce the number of accidents that take place in the home. Many cats are also drawn by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
It's easy to teach your cat to utilize the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through by using their favorite food. It might be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, but they function by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap, granting access to your home. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and stop stray cats from entering your property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed and exit only or entrance only. This is useful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and returns, especially if it's late at night or you're not at home. They can be helpful if you are away from home for a long period of time and want to be sure your cat is safe.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled via an app. This lets you control the entry and exit of your cat easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these smart flaps include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.
Training
It may take a while for a cat's body to become comfortable with going outdoors on its own, especially even if they've never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new environment quickly. Others may need to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to master how to open the flap with a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best methods of training to use. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Call Home Page through the cat flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap because they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other end.
When your cat begins to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start introduction to the outdoor environment and let them explore their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as cats in the area.
If you're unsure whether your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be secure knowing that they can always come back home if they wish to.