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 cat out, only for them to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap could solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats in and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out as they please. They can be in their home at night if prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be out hunting in the night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal to your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from catching them.
Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their house as a territory or eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.
It can also give you peace of mind when you are away from home, for example when you go on vacation or go out at night. It links to a hub as well as an app that tracks your pet's movements into and out of the house and lets you control when they are allowed out and back in using a smart curfew feature that you can set. You can also share the app access with family and friends so that they can monitor your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide a further layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is crucial to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap especially if they're not familiar with it. Begin by letting the flap open to let them see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each time they do so. Once they're confident with the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is important to select one that is suitable for the dimensions of your pet to allow them to move between the two without difficulty. Look for cat flap fitters near me that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually with a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with several cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements through the window or door by using an app on your phone.
This can be useful when you're worried that your cat might wander away from home or you're concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely lock the flap on your cat's door and monitor your pet's health via the app.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This is a great option to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow it to enter if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put on either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's easy to teach your cat to make use of small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through using their preferred food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time but when they've mastered 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 enter. They are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options, allowing you to make it open or closed, and even exit or entry only. They can be helpful if you want to control your cat's movements when they go out and returns, especially if it's late at night or when you're not at home. They may also be useful when you are away from your home for extended periods of time and need to ensure that your cat is in a safe place.
You can also choose an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This allows you to manage the entry and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much safer for your pets and offer more security. Some of these smart flaps even include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Based on their individual nature, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, attempt to encourage them giving them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the cat flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap and notice that it brings them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as 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 just leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require, but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be secure knowing that they can always return home if they'd like to.