How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let their pets out, only to have them change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.
It operates 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 benefits to having a flap for your cat that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they please. They can remain in the dark if they wish, which will reduce the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who may be out hunting during the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from being bitten by them.
Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors cats to annoy their pets, mark their house as a territory and eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you are away for the evening or going on holiday. It links to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of your home and lets you control when they can come out and back in using a smart curfew feature that you set. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an extra layer of protection to your cat's security by only allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open to let them observe the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once go right here using the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the dimensions of your pet so that they can move in and out without any difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable product that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models have smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the windows or doors through an app that you can download on your phone.
This can be useful when you're worried that your cat may wander away from home, or you're worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely lock the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's health via the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is particularly useful for cats that are old or aggressive and could have difficulty using a traditional flap. This is a great option to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also help 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, catnip, and clary sage. These can be placed either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be fitted to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them to use it by offering their favorite food. It can be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, you will be able to make it a habit.
Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. These are more expensive, but they work by using magnets on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models come with different locking options. You can set it to open or close and exit only or only for entrance. These can be useful for those who want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and returns particularly late at night or when you're not home. They are useful when you're away from home for a prolonged period of time and want to be sure your cat is safe.
You can also select a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit with ease. 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 flaps also come with video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat to become used to being outdoors on its own, especially even if they've not used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new environment quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or head. Observing them from the inside and out can help you determine the best methods to train them but keep in mind that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them using treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the flap, while speaking in an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it brings them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat is beginning to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor world and let them enjoy their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure whether your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can either lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. This will allow you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation they require, but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situation in the house, for instance 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.