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 cats out, only to have them change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out as they please. If they prefer stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be hunting in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that could prove fatal for your cat and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from being bitten by them.
Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats out and in - this is a major issue for 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 number and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.
It also gives you peace of mind if you are away from home, like when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It connects to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of the house and lets you control when they are allowed out and in via an intelligent curfew that you can set. You can also share the app access with family and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets while you're 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 allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then praise and reward them every when they do this. Once they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. It is important to select a cat-flap that is the right size for your pet's needs so it can be able to enter and out easily. You should also look for a durable product that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually with a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to monitor your pet's movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models have smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements through the windows or doors by using an app on your phone.
This is useful in the event that you are worried that your cat could wander off from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely open the cat flap and check on your pet's health via the app.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially useful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can also be used to prevent your pets coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your house.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also decrease the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of plants such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to go through it even if they remain in a shaky state.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be fitted to a door or window it's easy 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 favorite food. It's not easy to make them go through it the first time, but when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, but they function by using the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant access to your home. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models offer various locking options. You can set it to open or close and exit only or only for entrance. These can be useful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and comes back particularly late at night or when you're not at home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from home for a long period of time and want to ensure that your cat stays safe inside.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's entry and exit with ease. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere connected to the Internet.
cat flap install
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 being outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new environment quickly. Others may require being gently enthused and require time to learn how to push the flap open using a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap slightly (not enough to see the other side) and place treats on the other side. Then, call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the learning sessions easier for both of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it leads them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and have fun in their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outside world, you could always put them in a cage 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 gives them a way to escape any stressful situations in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be secure knowing that they are able to return home whenever they'd like to.