How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their cat out and only to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap can help solve this issue.
through wall cat flap is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. There are a variety of advantages to having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out whenever they want. They can stay inside at night if they wish, which will reduce their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be hunting in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will keep them from catching them.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats inside and out. This is a big worry for some pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one to be able to enter and exit.
It also gives you peace of mind if you are away from home, such as when you go on vacation or go out at night. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can also share your app access with family and friends so that they can monitor your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is essential to spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it. Start by opening the flap to let them see and smell the world around them. By distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer various features. You should select one that is the right size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from gaining access. You 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 house. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements through the door or window using an app that you can download on your phone.
This can be useful if you're concerned that your cat could wander off from your home, or you're worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely lock the flap on your cat's door and check your pet's condition using the app.
You can also select a four-way manual locking mechanism, which gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly useful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat who might struggle with a traditional flap. This can also be used to stop your pets coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow it to enter only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard 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 mentally and physically stimulated. It can also decrease the amount of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be attached to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them through it by using their favourite food. It's not easy to make them go through it the first time but when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and give access to your home. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close with an exit only, or entrance only. They are helpful if you need to control when your cat is in and out, especially at night or when you're away. These can be useful if you are away from home for a prolonged time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This allows you to manage the access and exit of your cat with ease. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're more secure for your pet and provide more peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Based on their individual nature, some cats are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside can help you decide what training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it takes them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them enjoy their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Certain cats are susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, such as cats that live nearby.
If you are unsure whether your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can either lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require. It also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they can always return home if they'd like to.