How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of getting up in the middle night to let their cats out, only to have them change their minds and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap could solve this problem.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats and block access to other. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to move around whenever they like. They can be in the dark if they want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who may be out hunting at late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from getting sick.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats inside and out. This is a big worry for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep out other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can provide security even when you're not home, such as when you go away for the evening or going on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements within and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by the ability to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is important to spend time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so that they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each when they do this. Once they're confident with the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market. A lot of them come with various features. It is important to select one that is the proper size for your pet, so that it can be opened and out easily. Find cat flap in bifold doors that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to enter and exit the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movement inside the house, even if you're not around. Some models come with smart technology that enables you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This is helpful when you're worried that your cat might wander off from home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can monitor the health of your pet's health using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they do get into trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is especially helpful if your cat is old or aggressive and could have difficulty using a traditional flap. This method can be used to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the 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 standard cat flaps, but they work well to keep your neighbours' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also help to reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them through it in case they are in a shaky state.
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 guiding them to use it by offering their favorite food. It's not easy to master the process the first time but once they do begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. These are more expensive however they work by putting an electronic device attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant access to your home. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats as they keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models come with a variety of locking options that allow you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. They can be helpful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and returns especially late at night and you're not home. They are also useful when you are away from your home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat is safely indoors.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's entry and exit with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much more secure for your pet and provide greater security. Some of these smart flaps also come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
It can take time for a cat's body to become comfortable with going out on their own in the event that they've never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. But remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Call your cat through the cat flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it leads them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals like neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat can cope with the outdoors, you could always keep them inside at night or just leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it requires and provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. They'll also feel secure knowing they can always return home if they choose to.