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How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their pets out and only to change their minds and come to return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.

It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats access and deny access to others. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to come and go whenever they like. If they want to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This reduces the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be out hunting late in the night. These animals could carry deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are out at night.

Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats out and in - this is a big worry for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.

A microchip cat flap may even provide peace of mind when you are not home, such as when you are out for the evening or going on holiday. It connects to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements into and out of the house and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you can set. You can also share access to the app with family and friends to ensure that they monitor your pets while you're away.

A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide additional security by only allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, particularly if they aren't used to it - start by letting the flap open to let them see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they're confident with the flap, you can gradually close it.

Safety

There are many cat flaps available, with many offering different features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet so that they can move between the two without difficulty. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws claws and rain.

Some cat flaps are lockable in various ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, which makes them perfect for homes with several cats.

Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movement in the house even when you're not around. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window by using an app on your phone.

This is useful when you're worried that your cat might wander too far from home, or you're concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they do get into trouble.

You 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 you have an aggressive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or it's raining outside.

Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your home.

Convenience

Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also attracted to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant.

It's simple to teach your cat to make use of the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It can be difficult to get them through the first time but once they do begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.


Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap that detects your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. They're more expensive however, they function by using a magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property.

Other models come with different locking options that allow you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. These are great for those who need to regulate the time your cat comes and goes particularly at night or when you're not home. cat flap installers may also be useful in situations where you're away from home for long periods of time and need to ensure that your cat stays safe inside.

You can also opt for a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's access and exit without difficulty. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater security and are more secure for your pets. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Training

It may take a while for a cat to get accustomed to going out on their own even if they've not used a flap before. Depending on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to learn how to open the flap using a paw or head. Examining them from both the outside and inside can help you work out what methods you can use to train them however, be aware that every cat is unique.

Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, attempt to encourage them offering them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the cat flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it takes them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.

Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them explore their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals such as neighbouring cats.

If you're unsure if your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can keep your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. This allows you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home if they want to.

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