How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let their pets out but only to change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats and deny others access. The flap can provide a number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they want. If they choose to remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will decrease the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be out hunting late in the night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.
Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep out other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can provide security when you are not home like when you are going out for dinner or going on holiday. It connects to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of your home and lets you control when they are allowed out and back in using a smart curfew feature that you set. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by the ability to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it. Start by letting the flap open so that they can view and sniff around. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat on either side of the flap and give your cat praise and a reward each time it puts its head through. Once they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market. Many of them offer different features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet so that they can easily move in and out without any difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and stop burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets through the door or window by via an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option when you're worried that your cat might wander away from home, or you're worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and check on your pet's health via the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system, which offers more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to deter your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great method to stop your neighbor's cats from getting into your home.
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Having unrestricted access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also decrease the amount of accidents that happen inside the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of plants like cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even when they are still uneasy.
It's simple to teach your cat how to use small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It can be difficult to get your cat through the first time however once you've mastered it, it should become a habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, however they work by putting the magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. These can be a good solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models offer various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed with an exit only, or entrance only. They can be helpful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in especially late at night or when you're not at home. They may also be useful if you're away from home for a long period of time and want to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's entry and exit easily. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much more secure for your pet and provide more security. Some of these smart flaps include video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to get used to being out on their own in the event that they've not used a flap before. Based on their individual nature, some cats are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will need to be gently urged and taught to open the flap with their paws or heads. Examining them from both the inside and out can help you work out what methods to use to train them but remember that all cats are different.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead attempt to encourage them using treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side, then call them through the flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap as they will see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other side.
When your cat starts 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. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are safe outdoors as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as cats in the area.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outside world you can always put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in your home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll always be able to return home should they wish to.