How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and decide to go to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap could solve this issue.

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

Peace of mind

Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to come and go whenever they want. They can be in their home at night if wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who may be out hunting at late at night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if out at night.

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


A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind when you are not home, such as when you go going out for dinner or out on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements within and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can also share the app access with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pet while you are away.

A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an additional 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 educating your cat to use the flap especially if they're not familiar with it. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. By distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of flap you can praise and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the right size for your pet so it can be able to enter and out without difficulty. You should also search for a durable product that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and stop burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flap s that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple cats.

One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the door or window using an app on your phone.

This is useful in the event that you are worried that your cat may wander off from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.

You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system, which offers more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or if it's raining outside.

Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip and only let it in only if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.

Convenience

Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also help reduce the number of accidents that happen in the home. Many cats are also drawn by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.

If you have a small hinged panel, which can be affixed to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their favourite food. It can be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, the practice will become habitual.

A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They are more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give access to your home. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they stop stray cats from entering your home.

Other models come with various locking options. You can set it to either closed or open with an exit only, or entrance only. This is useful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and comes back, especially if it's late at night or you're not home. These can be useful when you're away from home for an extended time and want to make sure your cat is safe.

You can also choose an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, that means you can control your cat's entry and exit easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're more secure for your pet and provide more peace of mind. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.

Training

It can take time for a cat's body to become comfortable with going outdoors on its own, especially even if they've never used a flap before. Based on their individual nature, some cats are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will need to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is different.

Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it takes them closer to the 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 introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the cats in the area.

If you are unsure whether your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it needs and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in the home. They will also be secure knowing that they will be able to come back home if they'd like to.