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 to let their cats out but only to change their minds and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this issue.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats and block access to other. A cat flap has a number of advantages, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out whenever they want. If they want to remain inside, they can do so at the night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be hunting at night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are out at night.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats out and in - this is a major concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as their territory, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can provide security when you're away like when you are away for the evening or out on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. You can share the app with your 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 additional security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is crucial to spend time educating your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by letting the flap open to let them see and smell the world around them. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap and beg them to do so each when they do this. Once they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that is the right size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and out easily. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and deter burglars from entering. You can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock or opt for microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to track your pets' movements through the window or door by using an app on your phone.
This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander away from home or if they have 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 are in trouble.
You can also choose a four way manual locking system that offers more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This option can be used to deter your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, blocking other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that occur inside 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 entice them to use it even if they remain uneasy.
It's simple to teach your cat how to use small hinged flaps that can be attached to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to go through by using their favorite food. It can be difficult to teach your cat the first time however once you've mastered it, the practice will become habitual.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap, that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. They are more expensive, but they work by using a magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a good option for families with multiple cats to keep stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entry only. These can be useful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in particularly late at night or you're not home. They may also be useful if you're away from home for long periods of time and need to ensure your cat remains in a safe place.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's access and exit without difficulty. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new experience very quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to master how to open the flap using a paw or head. Observing Read More Here from both the inside and outside can help you decide what training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier for both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like neighboring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outdoor world you can always put them in a cage at night or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it requires and provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. They'll also feel secure knowing they can always return home if they want to.