How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let their pets out, only to have them change their mind and want to return later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats and block access to other. There are a number of advantages of having a cat flap that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they want. If they prefer remain inside, they can do so at the night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be out hunting late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are left outside at night.
Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their homes as territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
It also gives you peace of mind when you're away from home, such as when you are on vacation or go out at night. It links to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the house and allows you to regulate when they can come out and in via the smart curfew feature you can set. You can share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide a further layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a certain distance of it. You should spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so that they can see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap. Then give them praise and rewards each when they do this. Once they are confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market. A lot of them come with various features. It is important to select the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet to allow them to move between the two without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and deter burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to programme, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movements in the house even when you're not present. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to track your pet's' movements as they walk through the window or door by using an app on your phone.
cat flap installation in glass doors near me is a great option when you're worried that your cat may wander too far from home, or you're concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they do get into trouble.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to enter and leave. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This is a great option to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of plants such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to go through it even when they are still hesitant.
It's easy to teach your cat how to make use of small hinged flaps that can be affixed to a window or door. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through using their preferred food. It's not easy to get them through the first time but once they've done it start, they should continue to follow the habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap that detects your pet's microchip and allows it in. They're more expensive but they work by using a magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models have different locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entry only. These are great if you need to control the frequency at which your cat comes and goes, especially at night or when you're not home. They may also be useful if you're away from home for long periods of time and you need to ensure your cat remains in a safe place.
You can also choose an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This allows you to manage the entrance and exit of your cat easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these flaps even have video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten 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 nature, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may require being gently enthused and require time to learn how to open the flap with a paw or head. Examining your cat from the inside and outside will help you decide which training methods to use. But remember that every cat is different.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead attempt to encourage them using treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Then, call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the learning sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap as they will realize the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outdoor world you can always keep them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it needs, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.