How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their pets out and only to change their minds and decide to go to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats and block access to other. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out at any time they wish. They can stay in the dark if they prefer, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that might be hunting at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might contract if out at night.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats out and in - this is a major issue for pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only one to get in and out.
It also gives you peace of mind if you're away from home, for example when you are on vacation or go out at night. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. You can also share the app access with family members and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide an additional layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is important that you spend time training your cat to use the flap, particularly if they aren't used to it - start by leaving the flap open to let them see and sniff the outside world. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of flap you can praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market. A lot of them come with different features. It's important to choose the right cat flap for the size of your pet so that they can move between the two without difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and stop burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to programme, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to monitor your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not present. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This is useful if you are concerned that your cat could wander too far away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and check your pet's condition using the app.
You can also select a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can also be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbors' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that take place in the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them through it if they remain in a shaky state.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be fitted to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them through it by using their favorite food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time, but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They are more expensive, however, they function by using the magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep stray animals from entering the property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open, exit only, or only for entrance. These are useful when you want to control the frequency at which your cat goes and comes, especially at night or when you're away. These can be useful when you're away from home for an extended time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also choose a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled via an app. This allows you to control the access and exit of your cat with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much more secure for your pet and offer more security. cat flap bifold doors of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere connected to the Internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new experience quickly. Others may require being gently encouraged and need time to master how to open the flap with a paw or head. Examining them from both the outside and inside will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are unique.
Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to attempt to encourage them giving them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the cat flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap and notice that it leads them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. This will allow you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require, but it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they can always come back home if they want to.