How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their pets out and only to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.

It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. There are a variety of benefits to having a cat flap that include:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out whenever they want. They can stay in their home at night if want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be hunting during the late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat might be exposed to if they are out at night.

Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their house as territory, eat their food, or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only one to be able to enter and exit.

It can also provide peace of mind when you are away from home, like when you go on vacation or go out at night. It connects to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of the home and lets you control when they can come out and back in using the smart curfew feature you can set. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.

A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key can provide additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is essential to spend time educating your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it. Start by leaving the flap open so that they can view and sniff around. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each time they do it. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can slowly close it.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot of them come with different features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the appropriate size for your pet so that it can enter and exit easily. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.

Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and stop burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.

Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movement within the home even if you're not present. Some models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track the movements of your pets through the door or window via an app on your phone.

This can be useful if you're concerned that your cat might wander too far from home or you're concerned about their access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they get into any trouble.

You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This can also be used to stop your pets coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus keeping out other cats.  cat flap install  can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.

Convenience

Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put either side of the flap if they are still unsure.

If you have a small hinged panel that can be attached to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It's not easy to get them through the first time but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.

Another alternative is to opt for magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. These are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.

Other models come with different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open, exit only, or entrance only. These can be useful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and returns especially late at night and you're not home. They may also be useful if you're away from home for a long period of time and need to ensure your cat remains safe inside.

You can also choose an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entry and exit with ease. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.

Training

It may take a while for a cat to become accustomed to going outdoors on its own, especially if they have never used a flap before. Depending on their nature, some are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide which training methods to employ. But remember that every cat is different.

Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Prop the flap open just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and then place a treat on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.

When your cat begins to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, including neighboring cats.

If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outdoor world it is possible to put them in a cage at night, or 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 is getting the enrichment and exercise that it requires however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in the home. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll be able to return home should they wish to.