How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cat out but only to change their minds and come to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats and deny others access. The flap can provide a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out whenever they want. If they prefer, they can stay in at night. This will decrease the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be out hunting late in the night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might be exposed to if they are out at night.
Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors cat to bother their pets, mark their homes as a territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for your cat is the only one to be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind when you're away, such as when you go going out for dinner or out on holiday. It connects to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of your home and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you can set. You can share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each when they do this. Once they're confident with the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market. A lot of them come with different features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the right size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and out easily. You should also look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in different ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the window or door via an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful if you're concerned that your cat may wander too far from home or you're worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for a four way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is especially useful if your cat is old or aggressive and could struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby keeping out other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be fitted to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It may be difficult to make them go through it the first time but once they've done it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They are more expensive, however, they function by using a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models come with different locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open, exit only, or entrance only. These are useful for those who need to regulate the time your cat comes and goes particularly at night or if you're not home. They may also be useful in situations where 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 choose a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated by an app which means you can control your cat's entry and exit with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much more secure for your pet and offer more security. Some of these smart flaps even include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat to become accustomed to going out on their own in the event that they've never used a flap before. Based on their personality, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to master how to push the flap open using a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. But remember that every cat is different.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead try to encourage them using treats. Prop cat flap step open slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. 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 side.
Once your cat is beginning to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the cats in the area.
If you're unsure if 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 they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation they require. It it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situation in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be secure knowing that they are able to come back home if they wish to.