How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their pets out, only for them to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip 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 safe and secure by allowing it to come and go whenever they please. They can be in their home at night if want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that might be out hunting in the night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may catch if they are left outside at night.
Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats in and out - this is a major issue for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
It also gives you peace of mind if you're away from home, like when you are on vacation or out at night. fitting a cat flap 's linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements within and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can also share your app access with family members and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only permitting them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so they can see the outside world and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or a treat on either side of the flap and encourage and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. When they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. doors with cat flap should select a cat-flap that's the appropriate size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and out easily. Find a sturdy fabric that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock or opt for microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to install, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to monitor your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models come with smart technology that enables you to track your pet's' movements through the door or window by using an app on your phone.
This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat could wander off from your home, or you're concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet using the app and remotely open their cat flap should they do get into trouble.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system, which offers more options to control who can go in and out. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to deter your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also help reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat how to make use of small hinged flaps that can be attached to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through using their favorite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, it should become a habit.
Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes your pet's microchip and lets it to be inserted. They're more expensive however they work by putting magnets around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. These are useful when you want to control the time your cat comes and goes, especially at night or when you're away. These can be useful when you're away from home for a prolonged period of time and want to be sure your cat is safe.
You can also select an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can manage your cat's access and exit without difficulty. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much more secure for your pet and offer more peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.
Training
It may take a while for a cat's body to become comfortable with going out on their own if they have never used a flap before. Based on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will require to be gently urged and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or head. Examining them from both the inside and out will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them, but be aware that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side, then call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable on both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Some cats could be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like neighboring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outdoor world, you could always lock them in at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they get all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home if they want to.