How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let their cats out, only to have them change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats in and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap has a number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to come and go whenever they want. They can remain inside at night if they prefer, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who may be out hunting at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could contract if left outside at night.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats out and in - this is a major concern for some pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit.
It can also give you peace of mind if you are away from home, for example when you go on vacation or go out at night. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will add a further layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is recommended to spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap and beg them to do so each time they do it. Once they're confident with the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps on the market. A lot of them come with different features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the appropriate size for your pet so that it can be opened and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not there. Some models have intelligent technology that allows you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the windows or doors by using an app on your phone.
This can be useful when you're worried that your cat could wander too far from home or are concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely open their cat flap in case they do get into trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to enter and leave. cat flap fitting is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat who might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow entry when the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also decrease the number of toileting accidents that happen inside the home. Cats are also attracted 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 entice them through it if they remain in a shaky state.
It's simple to teach your cat to utilize the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It can be difficult to make your cat go through the first time, but once you do the practice will become habitual.
Another option is to use magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes your pet's microchip and lets it to be inserted. They are more expensive, however, they function by using magnets placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options that allow you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. This is useful if you want to control your cat's movements when they go out and returns especially late at night or you're not home. They are 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 cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's entry and exit easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these smart cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it could take a while to get them used to the idea of being out on their own. Based on their individual nature, some are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may require being gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best methods of training to use. Remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling at your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap a little (not enough to see the other side) and place treats on the other side. Then, call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions more enjoyable on both of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it takes them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. However, it's 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 like cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoor world, you could always put them in a cage at night, or 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 exercise and stimulation it requires however, you should also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. They'll also have the security of knowing that they will be able to return home if they want to.