How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night to let their pets out and then to change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. The flap can provide a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out whenever they want. They can remain inside at night if they want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be out hunting in the night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.
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 cat to bother their pets, mark their house as territory and eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit.
It can also give you peace of mind if you're away from home, such as when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide a further layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then beg them to do so each time they do it. When they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. You should select a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet so that it can enter and out easily. You should also look for a durable material that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home from burglars out. repairmywindowsanddoors can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Some models have smart technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements as they walk through the door or window through an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat might wander too far from home, or you're worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely lock the cat flap and check your pet's status through the app.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to decide who can go in and out. This is especially useful if your cat is aggressive or older and may struggle with an ordinary flap. This can be used to deter your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip, and let it in only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they work well to keep your neighbors' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be affixed to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them to use it by offering their favourite food. It can be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, the practice will become habitual.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive, but they work by using a magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop stray animals from entering the property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to open or close with an exit only, or entrance only. They can be helpful when you want to regulate your cat's movements when they go out and returns, especially if it's late at night and you're not at home. They can be helpful in situations where you're away from home for a prolonged time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also choose a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled via an app. This lets you manage the access and exit of your cat easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and offer more security. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to get accustomed to going outdoors on its own, especially if they have not used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to learn to push the flap open with a paw or head. Watching them from the inside and out can help you determine what methods you can use to train them but keep in mind that all cats are unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them 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. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the learning sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it takes them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat is beginning to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals like cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're not sure if your cat is able to handle the outside world you can always keep them inside at night or just leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it needs and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that may arise in your home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll always be able to return home if they want to.