How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their cats out and only to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap can help solve this issue.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access only to authorized cats and block access to other. A cat flap offers number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out as they please. If they prefer, they can stay in at night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be hunting in the night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat and therefore keeping them inside at night will stop them from catching them.
Cats can get in and out through conventional cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their home as territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for your cat is the only one to access the door and exit.
It can also give you peace of mind if you are away from home, for example when you go on vacation or go out at night. It links to a hub and app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of the home and enables you to control the time they are allowed to come out and in via the smart curfew feature you set. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide a further layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance of it. You should spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so that they can observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then praise and reward them every when they do this. Once they are confident using the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market. They all have different features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the dimensions of your pet so that they can easily move in and out without any difficulty. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the house. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to programme, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models have intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements when you walk through the door or window through an app on your phone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat may wander away from home or you're worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they get into any trouble.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to decide who can go in and out. This is particularly helpful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or it is raining outside.
window with cat flap opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that take place within the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. These can be placed on either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be affixed to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It can be difficult to get your cat through the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive but they work by using magnets placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options that allow you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. They are helpful when you want to control the frequency at which your cat comes and goes particularly at night or if you're not home. They are useful if you are away from home for an extended time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also select a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This allows you to manage the entry and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much more secure for your pet and provide greater security. Some of these flaps even come with video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.
Training
It can take time for a cat to get comfortable with going out on their own in the event that they've not used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new experience quickly. Certain cats need to be gently urged and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while maintaining a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will realize the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other end.
When your cat starts to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them roam around the outside and enjoy their newfound freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat is able to handle the outdoor world you can always put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it requires and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They will also have the security of knowing that they can always return home if they want to.