How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of getting up in the middle night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats and deny others access. There are many benefits to having a flap for your cat that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out as they please. If they choose to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be out hunting late at late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat could catch if they are left outside at night.
Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as a territory and eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
It also gives you peace of mind when you are away from home, for example when you are on vacation or go out at night. It's connected to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and outside the house. 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 to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets while 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 from it. You should spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap and beg them to do so each when they do this. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the right size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out without difficulty. You should also look for a durable material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps are lockable in various ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted 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 perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not there. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to track the movement of your pets through the door or window using an app on your phone.
This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can monitor the health of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they are in trouble.
You can also opt for a four way manual locking system that offers more options to control who can go in and out. This is especially useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that may struggle with a standard flap. This is a great option to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or it is raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip, and allow entry only if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbors' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also help reduce the amount of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats also feel enticed 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 to go through it even in case they are uneasy.
It's easy to teach your cat to utilize small hinged flaps that can be attached to a window or door. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through with their preferred food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time but once they do start, they should continue to follow the habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, but work by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap, granting it access to your home. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options which allow you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entry only. This is useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and comes back, especially if it's late at night or you're not at home. They are also useful if you're away from your home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat is safe inside.
You can also opt for a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's access and exit easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're more secure for your pet and offer more security. Some of these smart cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.
helpful resources
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new situation very quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to master how to push the flap open 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 unique.
Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, you should instead try to encourage them using 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. Your cat should be called through the flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to utilize the flap since they will see that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other end.
Once your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and enjoy their newfound freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat is capable of surviving the outdoors, you can keep your cat inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires, but you can also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could occur in the home. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they will be able to return home whenever they'd like to.