How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their pets out but only to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap could solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access only to authorized cats and block access to other. There are many advantages to having a cat flap that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to move around whenever they want. They can be in their home at night if want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that may be out hunting at late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could contract if out at night.
Cats are able to enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their homes as territory, eat their food, or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap could provide security when you are not home like when you go away for the evening or on holiday. It links to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house and lets you control when they are allowed out and back in using the smart curfew feature you can set. You can also share the app access with family members and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is important that you spend time training your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it - start by leaving the flap open so that they can view and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. You can praise and reward them every time they do so. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is important to select one that is suitable 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.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock or opt for microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movement within the home even if you're not present. Some models have smart technology that enables you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the window or door using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is a great option when you're worried that your cat could wander too far from home, or you're concerned about their access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can track the location of your pet's health using the app and remotely lock their cat flap if they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who is able to enter and leave. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. find more can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it is raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen in the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the scent of plants such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to use it even when they are still uneasy.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be affixed to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It can be difficult to make your cat go through the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. These are more expensive, however, they function by using the magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with different locking options that allow you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. This is useful if you want to control your cat's movements when they go out and comes back especially late at night and you're not at home. They are useful when you're away from home for an extended period of time and want to be sure that your cat is secure.
You can also choose an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's entrance and exit easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, but they offer greater peace of mind and are safer for your pet. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to get comfortable with going outdoors on its own, especially if they have not used a flap before. Based on their nature, some are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Others may need to be gently enthused and require time to learn how to push the flap open using a paw or head. Examining them from both the inside and outside can help you determine the best methods to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are different.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. The flap should be opened just a bit (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 positive and calm to make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to utilize the flap since they will see that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, like neighboring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outside world, you could always keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow 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 situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also have the security of knowing that they will be able to return home if they wish to.