How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of waking in the middle night to let their cats out, only to have them change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats to enter and deny access to others. There are a number of benefits to using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to come and go whenever they please. If they choose to, they can stay in at the night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be out hunting late in the late at night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may catch if they are not kept in the dark.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for some pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind when you are not home like when you go away for the evening or on holiday. It connects to a hub and app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of your home and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and back in using a smart curfew feature that you set. You can share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. You should spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or food item from either side of the flap you can praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps on the market. They all have various features. You should choose one that is the proper size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and exit easily. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movements around the house even when you're away from home. Some models have smart technology that enables you to track your pets' movements through the window or door using an app on your smartphone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat might wander off from your home or you're worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely open their cat flap should they get into any trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is especially helpful for cats that are aggressive or older and may struggle with an ordinary flap. This method can also be used to prevent your pets coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen in the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of plants such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it in case they are in a shaky state.
If cat flap installation cost have a small hinged panel that can be attached to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time, but once you do 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 access. They're more expensive, however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entry only. These are useful when you want to control when your cat comes and goes, especially at night or when you're away. They can be helpful in situations where you're away from home for a long time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much more secure for your pet and provide greater security. Some of these cat flaps come 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 could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience very quickly. Others may need to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn how to open the flap using a paw or head. Watching them from the outside and inside will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them, but be aware that all cats are different.
Instead of yelling your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the cat flap, while speaking in an ebullient, 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 begins to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introducing them to the outdoors and let them explore their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and make sure they are secure outdoors, as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.
If you are unsure whether your cat is able to cope with the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. This lets you make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.