How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their cat out but only to change their minds and come to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap solves this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. There are a variety of advantages of using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to come and go whenever they please. They can be in their home at night if wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be hunting during the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will keep them from getting sick.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats in and out - this is a major issue for some pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap could provide security even when you're not home for instance, when you go out for the evening or on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew to control when you allow them to enter and leave. The app can be shared with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an extra layer of security to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each when they do this. Once they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps that are available on the market. They all have various features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet to allow them to move between the two without difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and deter burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to programme, making them ideal for homes with several cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements through the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat could wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and check your pet's status through the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you greater control over who can enter and leave. This is particularly useful for cats that are aggressive or older and may struggle with the traditional flap. This option can be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they work well to keep your neighbors' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
It's easy to teach your cat to use a small hinged flap that can be affixed to a window or door. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through using their favorite food. It can be difficult to get them through the first time but once they do start, they should continue to follow the habit.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it in. These are more expensive but they function by using an electronic device attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give access to your home. cat flap fitting can be a good solution for multi-cat households and stop stray cats from entering your home.
Other models have different locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. These can be useful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and comes back especially late at night or when you're not home. They may also be useful if you're away from your home for a long period of time and need to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This lets you control the entrance and exit of your cat easily. 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 flaps include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, 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 experience quickly. Others may require being gentle and encouragable, and will need time to master how to open the flap with a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide which methods of training to use. Remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling at your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Open the flap a little (not enough to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the training sessions easier for both of you and your cat. 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 end.
When your cat begins to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoors and let them experience their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Some cats could be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, including neighboring cats.
If you are unsure whether your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can either lock them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it needs and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could occur in the home. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they can always return home whenever they'd like to.