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 and only to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. There are many benefits to using a cat flap. These include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out as they please. If they prefer, they can stay in at the night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be hunting at late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are left outside at night.
Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their homes as a territory and eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap may provide security when you are not home, such as when you are going out for dinner or out on holiday. It connects to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements in 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 can set. The app can be shared with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will add an additional layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it. Start by letting the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. By distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of the flap, give your cat praise and a reward each time it puts its head through. Once they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market. A lot of them come with different features. It is important to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet to allow them to move in and out without any difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, making them ideal for homes with several cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to track the movements of your pets through the door or window by through an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful if you're concerned that your cat might wander off from your home or you're concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they do get into trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you greater control over who can access and exit the door. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also decrease the number of accidents that occur inside the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain herbs such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to use it even when they are still in a shaky state.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be affixed to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them to use it by offering their favourite food. It can be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They are more expensive, but they function by using the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap, granting access to your home. cat flap fitters can be a good solution for households with multiple cats as they keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models provide various locking options. You can set it to open or closed and exit only or entry only. These are useful if you need to control the frequency at which your cat comes and goes particularly at night or when you're not home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a prolonged time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This lets you manage the entrance and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much more secure for your pet and provide greater security. Some of these flaps even come with video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to become comfortable with going out on their own in the event that they've never used a flap before. Based on their individual personality, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may require being gently encouraged and need time to master how to open the flap using a paw or head. Examining them from both the inside and outside can help you determine what methods you can use to train them however, be aware that all cats are unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Prop the flap open just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place treats on the other side, then call them through the flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to 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 be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat is beginning to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as neighboring cats.
If you are unsure whether your cat is able to cope with the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it needs however, you should also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that may occur in the home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home if they choose to.