How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners know the feeling of waking in the middle night to let their pets out but only to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap could solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they please. They can be in their home at night if prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that might be out hunting at late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are not kept in the dark.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats out and in - this is a big worry for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only cat to get in and out.
A microchip cat flap can provide security when you are not home for instance, when you are out for the evening or on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to control when you allow them to leave and enter. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide additional security by only allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is essential to spend time training your cat to use the flap, particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by leaving the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they're comfortable using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the size of your pet, so that they can easily move in and out without any difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the house. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets through the window or door using an app on your phone.
This is helpful when you're worried that your cat could wander away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely lock the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's health via the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is particularly useful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip and only let it in when the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps to reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of 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 hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be affixed to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It may be difficult to teach your cat the first time but once you've done it, it should become a habit.
Another alternative is to opt for magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it in. They're more expensive, but they function by using the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap, granting it access to your home. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with different locking options that allow you to make it open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. These are great if you need to control the frequency at which your cat comes and goes particularly at night or if you're not home. They are also useful in situations where you're away from home for long periods of time and need to ensure that your cat is in a safe place.
You can also select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This allows you to manage the access and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart flaps also include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
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 personality, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may need to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn how to open the flap with a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide which training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is different.
Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, attempt to encourage them offering them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the cat flap while maintaining an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it leads them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as cats that live nearby.
If how much to install a cat flap 're not sure if your cat can cope with the outdoors you can always lock them in at night or just leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have 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 provides them with a means to escape any stressful situation in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.