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 but only to change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out as 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 feral cats who may be out hunting late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal for your cat and so keeping them in at night will keep them from being bitten by them.
Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats in and out - this is a major issue for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only one to access the door and exit.
It also gives you peace of mind when you're away from home, such as when you go on vacation or out at night. It is linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements within and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. The app can be shared with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is crucial to spend time educating your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it - start by opening the flap so that they can see and smell the world around them. Holding out a favourite toy or food item on either side of the flap you can praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. When they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer various features. It is essential to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. see this page should also look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to monitor your pet's movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window by using an app on your phone.
This is helpful when you're worried that your cat might wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can check the status of your pet using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they are in trouble.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism, which gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that may struggle with a standard flap. This can be used to deter your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a pet's chip and only let it in if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also reduce the number of accidents that happen in the home. Many cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be affixed to a window or door it's easy 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 can be difficult to master the process the first time but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap, that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant access to your home. These can be a good solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models offer various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed and exit only or entry only. They are helpful for those who need to regulate when your cat comes and goes particularly at night or when you're not home. They can also be helpful when you are away from home for a long period of time and you need to ensure that your cat is safely indoors.
You can also select an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This lets you control the entrance and exit of your cat easily. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these smart cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new experience quickly. Certain cats need to be gently encouraged and taught to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Watching them from the outside and inside will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them however, keep in mind that all cats are different.
Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to try and encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions easier for both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap and notice that it takes them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outdoor world it is possible to lock them in at night, or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also have the security of knowing that they will be able to come back home if they wish to.