How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners are familiar with the feeling of waking in the middle night to let out their cats but only to change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap can solve this problem.

It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. The flap can provide a number of advantages, including:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to go and come whenever they want. If they prefer remain inside, they can do so at night. This reduces the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be out hunting late in the night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will stop them from getting sick.

Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats in and out - this is a major concern for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their home as their territory, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only cat to get in and out.

A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind when you are not home for instance, when you are going out for dinner or on holiday. It connects to a hub and app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home and enables you to control when they can come out and in via the smart curfew feature you can set. The app can be shared with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.

cat flap installation  with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is important that you 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 around. By distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of the flap, praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, slowly close it.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. It is important to select a cat flap that suits the dimensions of your pet so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.

Certain cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. 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 within the home even if you're not there. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to track the movement of your pets through the window or door through an app on your smartphone.

This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat could wander too far from home or are worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat flap if they are in trouble.

You can also choose the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful for cats that are aggressive or older and may have difficulty using an ordinary flap. This option can also be used to stop your pets coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.

Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in only if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors out of your home.

Convenience

Access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also help reduce the number of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.

It's simple to teach your cat how to make use of a small hinged flap that can be affixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to go through by using their preferred food. It's not easy to make them go through it the first time, but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.

Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. They're more expensive however they work by putting a magnet around your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.

Other models offer different locking options. You can set it to open or close, exit only, or entrance only. They can be helpful when you want to regulate when your cat goes out and come in, especially if it's late at night and you're not at home. They are also useful if you're away from home for extended periods of time and want to ensure that your cat stays safe inside.

You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This lets you control 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 offer more security. Some of these smart flaps also have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it could take a while to get them used to the idea of going outside on their own. Based on their personality, some are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Others may require being gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what training methods to use. But remember that every cat is different.

Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them giving them treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other end.

Once your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as neighboring cats.

If you're unsure whether your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other 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 in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also have the security of knowing that they can always return home if they want to.