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 to let their cats out but only to change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can help solve this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats and deny others access. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out at any time they wish. If they want to remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will decrease the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be out hunting late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from catching them.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats in and out - this is a major concern for some pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep out other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap may even give you peace of mind when you are not home like when you go away for the evening or on holiday. It connects to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of the house and enables you to control when they are allowed out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you set. You can also share your app access with friends and family so that they can keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by the ability to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can see the outside world and smell it. 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 praise and reward them every time they do it. When they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is important to select one that is suitable for the dimensions of your pet so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. You should also search for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the window or door using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is helpful in the event that you are worried that your cat could wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they get into any trouble.
cat flap installer can also choose a four-way manual locking system which offers more options to control who can access the door and when. This is particularly useful if your cat is aggressive or older and may have difficulty using a traditional flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow it to enter if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective method to stop your neighbor's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also help to reduce the number of accidents that take place in the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of plants such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to use it even if they remain uneasy.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be attached to a window or door 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 by offering their favourite food. It can be difficult to master the process the first time, but once they do start, they should continue to follow the habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it to enter. They're more expensive, but they function by using an electronic device attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant access to your home. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models have different locking options which allow you to set it to open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. This is useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and returns, especially if it's late at night and you're not at home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a prolonged period of time and want to be sure your cat is safe.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's access and exit easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much more secure for your pet and provide greater security. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to get accustomed to going out on their own even if they've never 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 to push the flap open using a paw or head. Observing them from the inside and out will help you figure out what methods to use to train them but be aware that all cats are unique.
Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, try to encourage them giving them treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place a treat on the other side. Call them through the flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier for both of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it leads them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're not sure if your cat can cope with the outside world, you could always lock them in at night or just leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it requires, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that could occur in the home. They will also have the security of knowing that they will be able to return home whenever they'd like to.