How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cats out, only for them to change their minds and come to return within minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. There are a number of advantages to having a flap for your cat that are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out at any time they wish. If they want to stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be out hunting late in the late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could prove fatal to your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from being bitten by them.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats in and out - this is a major concern for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for your cat is the only one to get in and out.
A microchip cat flap may even provide peace of mind when you are not home like when you are out for the evening or going on holiday. It connects to a hub as well as an app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house and lets you control when they can come out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you set. It is possible to share the app with 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 collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only allowing them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is crucial to spend time training your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by opening the flap so that they can see and sniff around. By distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of the flap, encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps available on the market. They all have different features. It is essential to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet so that they can move between the two without difficulty. You should also look for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually with a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to programme, making them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to monitor your pet's movements within the home even if you're not present. Some models are equipped with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the window or door through an app on your phone.
This is useful if you're concerned that your cat might wander too far from home, or you're concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they do get into trouble.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism, which gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This is a great option to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow it to enter only if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also reduce the number of accidents that take place in the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain herbs such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even in case they are uneasy.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be attached to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap which recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it in. They are more expensive, but work by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they stop stray cats from entering your home.
Other models have different locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. These are great if you need to control when your cat comes and goes, especially at night or when you're away. They can also be helpful if you're away from home for extended periods of time and want to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.
Read Even more can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This allows you to manage the access and exit of your cat easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much safer for your pets and provide more peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and can be accessed from 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 to get them used to the idea of going out on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or heads. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead try to encourage them offering them treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Call them through the flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier for both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to use the flap because they will realize that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other end.
When your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like cats that live nearby.
If you are unsure whether your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that could occur in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home if they want to.