How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap could solve this problem.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats and block access to other. A cat flap has a number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out as they please. If they want to, they can stay in at night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be hunting in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that could be fatal for your cat and so keeping them in at night will keep them from catching them.
Cats can get in and out through conventional cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their homes as territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
It also gives you peace of mind if you're away from home, for example when you go on vacation or go out at night. It links to a hub as well as an app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house and allows you to regulate when they can come out and back in using a smart curfew feature that you set. You can also share access to the app with friends and family so that they can monitor your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap that has an infrared or magnetic collar key will add a further layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open to let them see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap. You can praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
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There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the appropriate size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and exit easily. Also, you should look for a durable product that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to access the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to set up, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window through an app on your phone.
This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat might wander off from your home or are worried about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can check the status of your pet using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they do get into trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow entry if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping your neighbors' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that take place in the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to use it even in case they are in a shaky state.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be affixed to a door or window it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them to use it by offering their favourite food. It can be difficult to make them go through it the first time but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. They're more expensive, however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and give access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they stop stray cats from entering your property.
Other models offer various locking options. You can set it to open or close and exit only or only for entrance. They can be helpful if you want to control your cat's movements when they go out and returns particularly late at night and you're not home. They can also be helpful if you're away from your home for long periods of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, which means you can manage your cat's entry and exit with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater security and are more secure for your pet. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat's body to become used to being outdoors on its own, especially 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. Some cats will need to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the flap while using a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it takes them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat can cope with the outdoor world it is possible to put them in a cage at night, or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require, but also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll be able to return home if they choose to.