How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their pets out and only to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.
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 benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. They can stay in the dark if they prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be hunting in the night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are out at night.
Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their home as a territory or eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.
It can also provide peace of mind if you're away from home, like when you go on vacation or go out at night. It links to a hub and app that tracks your pet's movements in and out of your home and lets you control when they can come out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you set. You can also share your app access with friends and family so that they can monitor your pet while you are 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 safety by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is crucial to spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it - start by opening the flap so that they can view and smell the world around them. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then beg them to do so each when they do this. Once they are confident using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available, with many offering different features. It's important to choose the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet to allow them to move in and out without any difficulty. Also, cat flap install should look for a durable product that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and stop burglars from getting in. 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 access the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not there. Certain models come with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the door or window by using an app on your phone.
This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat could wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.
You can also opt for a four way manual locking system which gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is particularly useful if your cat is aggressive or older and may have difficulty using a traditional flap. This method can be used to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, thus blocking other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of plants such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even if they remain uneasy.
It's simple to teach your cat how to make use of a small hinged flap that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to walk through using their preferred food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're more expensive, however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting it access to your home. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models have different locking options which allow you to make it open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. They are helpful for those who need to regulate the time your cat is in and out particularly at night or if you're not home. They can also be helpful when you are away from home for extended periods of time and want to ensure that your cat is safe inside.
You can also choose a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This lets you manage the access and exit of your cat with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much safer for your pets and provide more peace of mind. Some of these smart flaps include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.
Training
It can take some time for a cat's body to become comfortable with going out on their own in the event that they've not used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to master how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Observing them from the inside and out can help you work out the best methods to train them however, be aware that all cats are unique.
Instead of yelling your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap slightly (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, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier for both of you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to utilize the flap since they will be able to see the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other side.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin introduction to the outdoor environment and let them explore their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outdoor world it is possible to keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they have 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 however, you should also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They will also be secure knowing that they can always return home whenever they want to.