How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of waking in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats but only to change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. A cat flap has a number of advantages, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to come and go whenever they please. They can stay in the dark if they want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be hunting during the night. Many of these animals have diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from getting sick.
Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their home as a territory or eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind when you're away, such as when you are away for the evening or out on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can also share access to the app with family and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is important that you spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by letting the flap open to let them see and smell the world around them. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they're confident with the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the size of your pet so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in various ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window by through an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander too far from home, or you're concerned about their access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's status through the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or an older cat who may struggle with a standard flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow entry only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats are also enticed 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 entice them to use it even when they are still hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat how to use the small hinged flap that can be affixed to a window or door. upvc door panel replacement cat flap treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through using their favorite food. It may be difficult to master the process the first time, but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. These are more expensive but work by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting it access to your home. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entry only. These are useful for those who need to regulate when your cat is in and out, especially at night or when you're away. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a long period of time and want to be sure your cat is safe.
You can also choose an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated by an app that means you can control your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it could take a while to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Based on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to master how to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Observing them from the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods to use to train them however, keep in mind that all cats are unique.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, it's better to try and encourage them by using treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the flap while maintaining a calm, positive voice. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoor environment and let them experience their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat can cope with the outdoors you can always lock them in at night, or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations around the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll be able to return home if they choose to.