How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats and then to change their minds and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats and block access to other. The flap can provide a number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to come and go whenever they please. They can be inside at night if they prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be out hunting during the late at night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may catch if they are left outside at night.
Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for some pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.
It can also provide peace of mind when you're away from home, like when you go on vacation or go out at night. It links to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the home and lets you control the time they are allowed to come in and out via an intelligent curfew that you can set. You can also share the app access with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of security 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 teaching your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it. Start by leaving the flap open so that they can view and sniff around. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they are confident using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps on the market. A lot of them come with various features. It is essential to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pet's movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat could wander away from home, or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely open the flap for your cat and check your pet's status through the app.
You can also choose a four way manual locking system which offers more options to control who can go in and out. This is especially useful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat who might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can also be used to stop your pets from coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a pet's chip and only let it in if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great method to stop your neighbor's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen inside the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to go through it even when they are still uneasy.
It's easy to teach your cat to use a small hinged flap that can be affixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through by using their favorite food. It can be difficult to make them go through it the first time but once they've done it start, they should continue to follow the habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They are more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close and exit only or entry only. These are great when you want to control the frequency at which your cat comes and goes particularly at night or when you're not home. They are also useful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and need to ensure that your cat is safely indoors.
You can also opt for a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can manage your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these smart flaps also have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Based on their nature, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will require to be gently urged and taught to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Examining them from both the outside and inside can help you determine what methods to use to train them however, remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling at cat flap fitting to walk through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the flap while maintaining an ebullient, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it takes them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, including neighboring cats.
If you're not sure whether your cat will be in a position to handle 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 make sure that your cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it needs however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in your home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home if they choose to.