How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night to let their cats out and then to change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. There are many benefits to using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to move around whenever they please. If they prefer remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that could prove fatal for your cat and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from catching them.
Cats can enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as territory, eat their food, or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.
It can also provide peace of mind when you are away from home, like when you are on vacation or out at night. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to enter and leave. You can also share access to the app with family and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide an additional layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is important that you spend time teaching 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 the outside world. By distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of the flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they are confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. You should select a cat-flap that is the right size for your pet's needs so it can be able to enter and exit easily. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movement within the home even if you're not around. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window using an app on your smartphone.
This is helpful if you are concerned that your cat may wander off from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and check your pet's status through the app.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that offers more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is particularly useful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may be unable to use the traditional flap. This option can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow it to enter only if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also decrease the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain plants such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even in case they are in a shaky state.
It's easy to teach your cat to use a small hinged flap that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through with their preferred food. It can be difficult to get your cat through the first time however once you've mastered it, you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive however, they function by using the magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These are a good option for multi-cat households to prevent unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close, exit only, or entry only. These can be useful if you want to control your cat's movements when they go out and comes back especially late at night and you're not home. They can be helpful if you are away from home for a prolonged period of time and want to be sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled via an app. This lets you control the entry and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much safer for your pets and provide more peace of mind. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it could take a while to get them used to the idea of going out on their own. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gently encouraged and need time to learn to open the flap with a paw or head. Watching them from the outside and inside can help you determine the best methods to train them, but be aware that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoors and let them experience their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like cats in the area.
If cat flap cost near me if your cat is able to handle the outside world you can always lock them in at night, or leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs however, you should also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. They'll also be secure knowing that they are able to come back home if they'd like to.