How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle night to let their cats out and then to change their minds and decide to return later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats access and deny access to others. There are a variety of advantages of having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out at any time they wish. They can remain in the dark if they wish, which will reduce the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be out hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will prevent them from being bitten by them.
Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their homes as a territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit.
It also gives you peace of mind if you are away from home, for example when you are on vacation or go out at night. It links to a hub and app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of your home and lets you control the time they are allowed to come in and out via an intelligent curfew that you set. You can also share access to the app 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 additional layer of security to your cat's safety by the ability to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open to let them observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they're confident with the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market. Many of them offer various features. It is important to select the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet so that they can easily move in and out without any difficulty. You should also search for a hard-wearing material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and stop burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with several cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you are away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the window or door through an app on your phone.
This is useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander too far from 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 in case they get into any trouble.
You can also choose a four way manual locking system, which offers more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is particularly useful if your cat is old or aggressive and could be unable to use a traditional flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, keeping other cats out. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also help to reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of herbs such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to use it even when they are still hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat to use a small hinged flap that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to go through by using their favorite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They're more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant access to your home. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models have different locking options that allow you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entrance only. source for this article are great for those who need to regulate the time your cat goes and comes particularly at night, or when you're not home. These can be useful if you are away from home for an extended time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also choose an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This allows you to control the access and exit of your cat easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much more secure for your pet and provide more security. Some of these smart flaps come with video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new situation very quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or head. Watching them from the outside and inside can help you work out what methods to use to train them however, remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it takes them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Some cats could be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to cope with the outdoors, you can either lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to ensure that they get all the exercise and enrichment they require. It it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situation in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also have the security of knowing that they will be able to come back home if they want to.