How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and decide to return later. A cat flap solves this problem.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. There are a variety of advantages to having a flap for your cat that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to come and go whenever they please. If they want to, they can stay in at the night. This reduces the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be out hunting late in the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from catching them.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats out and in - this is a big worry for some pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home as their own, eating their food or engaging in 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 access the door and exit.
A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind when you're away like when you go out for the evening or going on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to leave and enter. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, particularly if they aren't used to it - start by letting the flap open so that they can view and sniff around. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding 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're comfortable using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. It is essential to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet, so that they can move in and out without any difficulty. You should also search for a durable product that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and stop burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not around. Certain models come with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat may wander too far from home or are concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely open their cat flap should they are in trouble.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can go in and out. This is especially helpful for cats that are aggressive or older and may have difficulty using an ordinary flap. Get the facts is a great option to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of plants like cat thyme or 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 hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be affixed 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 to use it with their favourite food. It's not easy to make them go through it the first time, but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. These are more expensive, however they work by putting magnets placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These are a good option for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with different locking options that allow you to make it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. This is useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and returns particularly late at night or when you're not at home. These can be useful if you are away from home for a prolonged time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, that means you can control your cat's entry and exit with ease. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much safer for your pets and provide more security. Some of these smart cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.
Training
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. 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 master how to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside can help you decide what methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Prop the flap open just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and then place a treat 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 allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start introduction to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat can cope with the outside world you can always put them in a cage at night, or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it requires and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that may arise in the home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home should they wish to.