How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their cat out and only to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap could solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats to enter and deny access to others. There are a number of advantages to using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. They can remain inside at night if they prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who may be out hunting in the night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat could contract if left outside at night.
Cats are able to enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as their territory and eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could provide security when you are not home for instance, when you go out for the evening or out on holiday. It links to a hub and app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and in via an intelligent curfew that you set. You can also share your app access with family and friends so that they can 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 security to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so that they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap. Then give them praise and rewards each time they do so. Once they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available with a variety of features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the right size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and exit easily. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in various ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to program, making them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to monitor your pet's movements in the house even when you're not there. Some models have smart technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements through the door or window through an app on your phone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat could wander too far from home or are concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely open the flap on your cat's door and check your pet's condition using the app.
You can also opt for a four way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can access the door and when. back door with cat flap fitted is especially useful if your cat is old or aggressive and could be unable to use an ordinary flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It also helps to reduce the number of accidents that happen in the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be fitted to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them through it by using their favourite food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time, but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.
Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. These are more expensive, however they work by putting the magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats and stop stray cats from entering your property.
Other models come with different locking options which allow you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entry only. They are helpful if you need to control when your cat is in and out particularly at night, or when you're not home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and want to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also select an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This allows you to manage the access 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 offer more peace of mind. Some of these smart flaps also include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat's body to become used to being outdoors on its own, especially if they have never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new environment quickly. Some cats will need to be gently encouraged and taught to open the flap using their paws or head. Watching them from the inside and outside can help you determine what methods to use to train them but keep in mind that all cats are unique.
Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them using treats. Open the flap slightly (not enough to be able 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 calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to use the flap because they will see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other side.
Once your cat starts to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat is able to handle the outdoors it is possible to put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situations in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll always be able to return home if they want to.