How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and come to return within minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.

It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. A cat flap offers number benefits, including:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out at any time they wish. They can stay in the dark if they want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be hunting during the late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could contract if left outside at night.

Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for some pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.

A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind when you are not home for instance, when you go out for the evening or out on holiday. It connects to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the house and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and in via a smart curfew feature that you set. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.

A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by permitting them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is crucial to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not familiar with it. Begin by opening the flap so that they can see and sniff around. By distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap you can praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can gradually close it.

Safety

There are a myriad of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. It's important to choose the right cat flap for the size of your pet, so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.

Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple pets.

One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models come with smart technology that enables you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the door or window using an app on your phone.

This is useful in case you're worried that your cat could wander off from your home or are worried about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely unlock the cat flap and check on your pet's condition using the app.

You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who is able to enter and leave. This is especially helpful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with an ordinary flap. This method can be used to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or it is raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip and only let it in if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your home.

Convenience

Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that take place in the home. Many cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.

It's simple to teach your cat to make use of a small hinged flap that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to walk through using their preferred food. It's not easy to master the process the first time but once they've done it start, they should continue to follow the habit.

A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, however they work by putting the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant access to your home. These can be a good solution for multi-cat households and stop stray cats from entering your home.

Other models have different locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entry only. These are useful when you want to control when your cat comes and goes particularly at night or when you're away.  cat flap step  are also useful in situations where you're away from home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat is safe inside.

You can also choose a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This allows you to manage the entry and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much more secure for your pet and provide more security. Some of these smart flaps also have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Training

It can take some time for a cat's body to become used to being outdoors on its own, especially in the event that they've never used a flap before. Based on their personality, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Certain cats need to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is different.

Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it takes them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.

When your cat starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and take advantage of their newfound freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.

If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outside world, you could always lock them in at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation they require, but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they can always return home should they wish to.