How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let their pets out, only to have them change their minds and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can help solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats access and deny access to others. A cat flap has a number of advantages, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. They can be inside at night if they want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who may be out hunting during the night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if left outside at night.
Cats are able to enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbors cats to annoy their pets, mark their homes as their territory or eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also provide peace of mind when you're away from home, for example when you are on vacation or out at night. It's connected to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is essential 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 see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing 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, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It is important to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet so that they can move between the two without difficulty. You should also search for a durable material that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window by using an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat may wander off from your home, or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and check your pet's status through the app.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is especially helpful if your cat is old or aggressive and could be unable to use the traditional flap. This option can also be used to prevent your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow it to enter when the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also help reduce the amount of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to go through it even in case they are hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be affixed to a door or window it's easy 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 can be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, however, they function by using the magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options that allow you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. cat flap installers can be useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and comes back, especially if it's late at night and you're not home. They are also useful in situations where you're away from home for a long period of time and want to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also choose an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's access and exit with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of going outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new environment very quickly. Others may require being gently encouraged and need time to master how to push the flap open using a paw or head. Examining your cat from the inside and the outside can help you decide what training methods to use. Remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling at 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 enough to see it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the flap while maintaining a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will be able to see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other side.
When your cat begins to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoors and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure if your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also have the security of knowing that they will be able to come back home if they'd like to.