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 out their cats, only to have them change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap could solve this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. The flap can provide a number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out at any time they wish. If they choose to stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be out hunting late in the late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that could prove fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will keep them from catching them.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats out and in - this is a major concern for some pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.
It can also give you peace of mind when you are away from home, like when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It connects to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of the house and lets you control when they are allowed out and in via an intelligent curfew that you can set. You can also share the app access with friends and family so that they can monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only permitting them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. You should spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of the flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps that are available on the market. They all have various features. You should select a cat-flap that is the appropriate size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of 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 access and leave the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements in the house even when you're not around. 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 on your smartphone.
This is useful in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the cat flap and check your pet's condition using the app.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system which offers more options to control who can access the door and when. This is especially useful if your cat is more aggressive or if they are older and have difficulty using an ordinary flap. This is a great option to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thus blocking other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain plants such as 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 uneasy.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be affixed to a door or window it's easy enough 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 favourite food. It may be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive however they work by putting magnets around your pet's neck to open the flap. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close, exit only, or entrance only. This is useful if you want to control your cat's movements when they go out and comes back, especially if it's late at night or you're not at home. They may also be useful when you are away from your home for long periods of time and need to ensure that your cat is safely indoors.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's access and exit without difficulty. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much safer for your pets and offer more security. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Based on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to master how to open the flap using a paw or head. Watching them from the inside and outside will help you figure out the best methods to train them, but remember that all cats are different.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to try and encourage them by giving them treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place a treat on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap because they will see that it brings them closer to the reward on the other end.
When your cat starts to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and take advantage of their newfound freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as cats in the area.
If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outside world you can always lock them in at night or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it needs however, you should also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that may arise in your home. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.