How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night by a call to let their cats out but only to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can help solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to move around whenever they want. They can remain in their home at night if prefer, which reduces their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who may be out hunting in the night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal to your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will stop them from catching them.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats out and in - this is a major issue for some pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also provide peace of mind if you're away from home, such as when you are on vacation or go out at night. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can also share the app access with friends and family so that they can keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within 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 opening the flap so that they can view and sniff around. By distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of the flap and give your cat praise and a reward every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market. They all have various features. window cat flap should choose a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet so that it can enter and exit easily. You should also search for a durable material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movement inside the house, even if you're not around. Some models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track the movements of your pets through the door or window using an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful if you're concerned that your cat might wander away from home or are concerned about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they are in trouble.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system that offers more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is particularly useful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to deter your pets from coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. window with cat flap are also attracted by the scent of plants such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to go through it even when they are still uneasy.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be affixed to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them through it by using their favorite food. It can be difficult to make them go through it the first time but once they do, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive however they work by putting a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats and stop stray cats from entering your property.
Other models come with different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open with an exit only, or only for entrance. These can be useful when you want to regulate the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in, especially if it's late at night and you're not at home. They may also be useful if you're away from your home for a long period of time and need to ensure that your cat is safe inside.
You can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This lets you control the access and exit of your cat with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it can take a while to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new situation quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to learn how to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Observing your cat from both the inside and outside can help you decide what training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to try and encourage them by using treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the flap, while speaking in an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap because they will see the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other end.
Once your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.
If you are unsure whether your cat is in a position to handle the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. This lets you ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation they require, but also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situation in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll be able to return home should they wish to.