How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cat out and only to change their minds and decide to go to return within minutes. A cat flap solves this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats in and restrict access to all other cats. There are a number of advantages to having a cat flap that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out whenever they want. They can be in the dark if they prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who may be out hunting during the night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are out at night.
Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can get in and out.
It can also provide peace of mind if you are away from home, for example when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to enter and leave. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only allowing them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is crucial to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it. Start by opening the flap to let them see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap. Then give them praise and rewards each time they do it. Once they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market. Many of them offer various features. It is important to select one that is the proper size for your pet so that it can be opened and exit easily. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track 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 as they walk through the windows or doors through an app that you can download on your phone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat may wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet's health using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or when it is raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they work well to keep your neighbours' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also reduce the number of accidents that take place within the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of plants like cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to go through it even when they are still in a shaky state.
If you have a tiny 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 through it by using their favourite food. It's not easy to master the process the first time, but once they've done it start, they should continue to follow the habit.
Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it to enter. They are more expensive, but they function by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant access to your home. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with different locking options. You can set it to open or closed and exit only or only for entrance. These are great for those who need to regulate the time your cat goes and comes particularly at night or if you're not home. They can be helpful in situations where you're away from home for an extended period of time and want to be sure your cat is safe.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much safer for your pets and provide more security. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new environment very quickly. Others may need to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Observing them from the inside and outside can help you determine the best methods to train them however, keep in mind that all cats are different.
Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place an item on the other 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 help your cat learn how to utilize the flap since they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other side.
When fitting a cat flap begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them roam around the outside and have fun in their new freedom. It is important 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 like cats in the area.
If you're not sure if your cat is able to handle the outside world, you could always lock them in at night, or leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they can always return home should they wish to.