How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of waking in the middle of the night by a call to let their cats out and then to change their minds and decide to return later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats and deny others access. A cat flap offers number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to come and go whenever they please. They can be inside at night if they wish, which will reduce their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that may be out hunting in the late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might be exposed to if they are left outside at night.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats in and out - this is a big worry for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep out other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind when you're away for instance, when you go going out for dinner or on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can also share access to the app with family and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it - start by leaving the flap open so that they can view and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap. You can praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they are confident using the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market. They all have different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and out without difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric 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 with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to set up, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movements in the house even when you're not present. Certain models come with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window through an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat could wander off from your home or are concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the cat flap and monitor your pet's health via the app.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system, which offers more options to control who can go in and out. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This method can be used to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or it is raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip, and allow entry only if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be attached to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap, that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it in. They're more expensive however, they function by using magnets placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These can be a good solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. These are great when you want to control the frequency at which your cat is in and out particularly at night or if you're not home. They are also useful in situations where you're away from home for long periods of time and need to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.
You can also select an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. 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 cat flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.
Training
It can take time for a cat to become comfortable with going out on their own if they have never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new situation quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to learn how to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Examining them from both the inside and out can help you work out the best methods to train them, but be aware that all cats are unique.
Rather than trying to push Internet Page through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them using treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the cat flap while using a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap and notice that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat starts to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and make sure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals such as neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure whether your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it requires and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home if they want to.