How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap Many cat owners will recognise the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their cat out, only for them to change their minds and decide to go to return within minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.

It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. The flap can provide a variety of benefits, such as:

Peace of Mind

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

Cats are able to enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a worry for pet owners who don't want neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their house as a territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for your cat is the only cat to get in and out.


A microchip cat flap can provide security when you are not home for instance, when you are going out for dinner or out on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to leave and enter. The app can be shared with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.

A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will add a further layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is crucial to spend time educating your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it - start by letting the flap open so that they can see and sniff around. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap. Then praise and reward cat flap installation do so. When they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.

Safety

There are a myriad of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet, so that it can be opened and out without difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand rain, paws and claws.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to set up, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.

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. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the door or window using an app that you can download on your phone.

This is a great option when you're worried that your cat might wander off from your home or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely open the flap for your cat and check on your pet's health via the app.

You can also select a four way manual locking system which offers more options to control who can access the door and when. This is especially helpful if your cat is old or aggressive and could struggle with a traditional flap. This can also be used to stop your pets from coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.

Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.

Convenience

Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also decrease the amount of accidents that happen within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant.

It's simple to teach your cat to use the small hinged flap that can be affixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through by using their favorite food. It may be difficult to master the process the first time but when they've mastered it start, they should continue to follow the habit.

Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. They are more expensive, however they work by putting an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting access to your home. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.

Other models offer different locking options. You can set it to open or closed and exit only or only for entrance. These can be useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and comes back especially late at night or you're not at home. They are useful when you're away from home for a prolonged time and want to make sure your cat is safe.

You can also choose a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's access and exit with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more peace of mind and are more secure for your pet. Some of these flaps even have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Training

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

Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place treats on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap and notice that it leads them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.

When your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.

If you are unsure if your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it needs however, you should also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. They will also have the security of knowing that they can always return home whenever they'd like to.