How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap could solve this issue.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats and deny others access. The flap can provide a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out at any time they wish. If they want to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be out hunting late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could be fatal for your cat and so keeping them in at night will prevent them from catching them.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats in and out - this is a major concern for some pet owners who do not 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 door will keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also give you peace of mind if you're away from home, such as when you are on vacation or out at night. It links to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come in and out via a smart curfew feature that you set. You can also share your app access with family members and friends to ensure that they monitor your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so that they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. Then praise and reward them every when they do this. Once they are confident using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps that are available on the market. They all have various features. It is important to select the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, making them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you 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 could wander off from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely unlock the cat flap and check on your pet's condition using the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or it is raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also drawn by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat to make use of the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through by using their preferred food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time but when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap, which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it to be inserted. They're more expensive however, they function by using the magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options that allow you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit 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 if it's late at night and you're not at home. cat flap installers are also useful in situations where you're away from home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.
You can also select a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This lets you manage the entry 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 pet. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it could take a while to get them used to the idea of being out on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new environment very quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and taught to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling at your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place treats on the other side, then call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap because they will be able to see that it brings them closer to the reward at the other end.
Once your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals like cats in the area.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outside world you can always lock them in at night, or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll be able to return home if they choose to.