How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night to let their cats out, only to have them change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. There are a number of benefits to having a cat flap that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to go and come whenever they please. If they prefer stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This reduces the chances of them being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be out hunting late at late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could be fatal for your cat and therefore keeping them inside at night will keep them from catching them.
Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats out and in - this is a major issue for some pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as their territory, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit.
It also gives you peace of mind when you are away from home, like when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It connects to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of your home and allows you to regulate when they can come in and out via an intelligent curfew that you can set. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide additional security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance of it. You should spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open to let them observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap. Then give them praise and rewards each when they do this. Once they're comfortable using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. It is important to select a cat-flap that's the appropriate size for your pet, so that it can enter and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and stop burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them perfect 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 are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movement of your pets through the window or door using an app on your smartphone.
This is helpful if you are concerned that your cat may wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely open the flap for your cat and check your pet's status through the app.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful if your cat is more aggressive or if they are older and be unable to use an ordinary flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good way to prevent your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that occur inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's simple to teach your cat to use small hinged flaps that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to walk through by using their favorite food. It may be difficult to get your cat through the first time however once you've mastered it, it should become a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive, however, they function by using the magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a good option for multi-cat households to prevent unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open and exit only or only for entrance. This is useful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and come in particularly late at night or when you're not at home. They can also be helpful when you are away from your home for a long period of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.
You can also select an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's access and exit without difficulty. Info are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater security and are safer for your pet. Some of these smart cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being outside on their own. Based on their nature, some are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may require being gently encouraged and need time to master how to open the flap using a paw or head. Watching them from the outside and inside can help you work out the best methods to train them but remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and place treats on the other side, then call them through the flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the training sessions easier for both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to use the flap because they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward on the other end.
When cat flap cost starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat can cope with the outdoors, you could always put them in a cage at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it requires, but you can also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they can always come back home if they'd like to.