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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 cat out, only for them to change their minds and come to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap solves this problem.

It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and restrict access to all other cats. There are many advantages of having a cat flap that are:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out at any time they wish. If they want to remain inside, they can do so at night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be hunting at late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could contract if not kept in the dark.

Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats out and in - this is a major concern for pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home as their territory, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for your cat is the only one to get in and out.

A microchip cat flap could provide security even when you're not home like when you go going out for dinner or going on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. You can also share your app access with family and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away.

A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is important to spend time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap and praise and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can slowly close it.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flap s that are available on the market. A lot of them come with various features. It is important to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet so that they can easily move into and out with no difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.

Certain cat flaps are lockable in various ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats.

Microchip cat flaps are a great method to monitor your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not there. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which lets you monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window by through an app on your smartphone.

This is helpful if you are concerned that your cat might wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can check the status of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they are in trouble.

You can also select a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to deter your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or it's raining outside.

Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip, and let it in if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your house.

Convenience

Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that take place within the home. A lot of 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 either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.

It's easy to teach your cat to utilize small hinged flaps that can be affixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through with their preferred food. It's not easy to make them go through it the first time, but once they do start, they should continue to follow the habit.

A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're more expensive however, they function by using the magnet around your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the property.

Other models offer various locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open with an exit only, or only for entrance. These are useful when you want to control the time your cat goes and comes, especially at night or when you're away. They can be helpful if you are away from home for a long time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.

You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can manage your cat's access and exit with ease. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much more secure for your pet and offer more security. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.

Training

It may take a while for a cat's body to become comfortable with going outdoors on its own, especially if they have never used a flap before. Depending on their personality, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gently encouraged and need time to learn how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Watching them from the outside and inside will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them however, keep in mind that every cat is unique.

Instead of yelling your cat to go through the flap, 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. Make your cat a call through the flap while maintaining a calm, positive voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.


Once your cat is beginning to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoors and let them explore their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals like cats in the area.

If you're not sure if your cat is able to handle the outdoors you can always put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it requires however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. They'll also be secure knowing that they will be able to come back home if they'd like to.

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