How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. There are a variety of benefits to having a cat flap that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out at any time they wish. They can be in the dark if they wish, which will reduce the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal for your cat, and so keeping them in at night will prevent them from getting sick.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats in and out - this is a major concern for some pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind when you are not home for instance, when you go going out for dinner or on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew to regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. The app can be shared with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or food item from either side of flap, give your cat praise and a reward every time it pushes its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available, with many offering different features. It is essential to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet, so that they can easily move in and out without any difficulty. You should also look for a durable product that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not there. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to monitor your pets' movements through the windows or doors by using an app on your phone.
This is useful if you're concerned that your cat might wander away from home or you're concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is especially useful for cats that are old or aggressive and could be unable to use an ordinary flap. This option can be used to deter your pets from coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow it to enter when the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective method to stop your neighbor's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of plants like cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to use it even in case they are uneasy.
It's easy to teach your cat how to utilize a 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 go through by using their favorite food. It can be difficult to make your cat go through the first time, but once you do the practice will become habitual.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it in. They're more expensive, however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting access to your home. These are a good option for multi-cat households to prevent stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options that allow you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entry only. This is useful when you want to regulate when your cat goes out and come in particularly late at night and you're not home. These can be useful if you are away from home for a long time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This lets you control the entrance 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 more security and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart flaps also include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to get accustomed to going outdoors on its own, especially in the event that they've never used a flap before. Based on their individual nature, some are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will need to be gently urged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or head. Observing them from the inside and outside can help you determine the best methods to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are different.
Instead of yelling Click In this article to walk through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the cat flap while maintaining a calm, positive voice. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it brings them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them enjoy their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals like cats in the area.
If you're not sure if your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll be able to return home if they choose to.