How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle night to let out their cats and then to change their minds and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are many advantages of having a cat flap that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out as they please. They can stay inside at night if they wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that may be out hunting during the late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are out at night.
Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their homes as their territory, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap may even provide peace of mind when you are not home, such as when you are out for the evening or going on holiday. It connects to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the house and enables you to control the time they are allowed to come in and out via the smart curfew feature you set. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is important to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open to let them see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap. Then beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they are confident using the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that is the appropriate size for your pet so that it can enter and exit easily. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, which makes them perfect for homes with several cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to monitor your pet's movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window by using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander off from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely lock their cat flap in case they get into any trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly helpful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to deter your pets coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they work well to keep the cats of your neighbors away from your house.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that take place in the home. Cats are also attracted 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 to use it even if they remain in a shaky state.
It's easy to teach your cat how to make use of small hinged flaps that can be affixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through by using their favorite food. It can be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, it should become a habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant it access to your home. These are a great choice for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to open or close and exit only or entrance only. These are useful for those who need to regulate when your cat is in and out, especially at night or when you're away. They may also be useful in situations where you're away from home for extended periods of time and need to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.
cat flap installer can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This lets you manage the entrance and exit of your cat with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Depending on their personality, some are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Examining your cat from the inside and the outside will help you decide which training methods to employ. But remember that every cat is different.
Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by using treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Then, call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the learning sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and take advantage of their newfound freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure that they are safe outdoors as 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 whether your cat can cope with the outdoors you can always put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations around the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also have the security of knowing that they can always return home if they'd like to.