How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let their cats out but only to change their mind and want to return later. A cat flap can help solve this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. There are a number of benefits to using a cat flap. These include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to go and come whenever they want. If they prefer stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be out hunting late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal to your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from catching them.
Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their house as territory or eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for your cat is the only cat to get in and out.
It can also give you peace of mind when you are away from home, such as when you are on vacation or go out at night. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew to control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by permitting them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important that you spend time training your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it - start by opening the flap so that they can view and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap. You can give them praise and rewards each time they do so. When they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market. Many of them offer various features. You should choose one that is the appropriate size for your pet, so that it can enter and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the house. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movements in the house even when you're not around. Some models come with smart technology that enables you to track your pet's' movements when you walk through the windows or doors through an app on your phone.
This is helpful if you are concerned that your cat might wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the cat flap and check on your pet's status through the app.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. cat flap in bifold doors is especially useful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and have difficulty using an ordinary flap. This option can also be used to stop your pets coming in when they're sick 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 prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they work well to keep the cats of your neighbors out of your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also help reduce the number of accidents that take place in the home. cat flap in bifold doors are also drawn by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
It's easy to teach your cat to make use of small hinged flaps that can be affixed to a window or door. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through using their favorite food. It may 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.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. These are more expensive, however, they function by using magnets placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models come with different locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. This is useful when you want to regulate the time your cat is allowed to go out and returns, especially if it's late at night or when you're not at home. They are also useful when you are away from home for extended periods of time and need to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This lets you manage the entrance and exit of your cat easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pet. Some of these smart flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to become comfortable with going outside by itself if they have never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to master how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide which training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap because they will realize that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other end.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outdoor world it is possible to keep them inside at night or just leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situations in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to return home if they'd like to.