How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap Many cat owners will recognize the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their cat out and only to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.

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

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to move around whenever they like. If they want to, they can stay in at night. This reduces the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will keep them from catching them.

Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats out and in - this is a major concern for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one to get in and out.

It also gives you peace of mind when you're away from home, like when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It is linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movement in and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to enter and leave. You can also share the app access with friends and family so that they can keep an eye on your pets while you're away.

A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is essential to spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it - start by leaving the flap open to let them see and sniff around. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap. Then praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can slowly close it.

Safety

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. You should select a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet so it can be able to enter and exit easily. You should also look for a durable material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to programme, making them perfect 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 are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pets' movements through the window or door using an app on your smartphone.

This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat could wander off from your home, or you're concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they do get into trouble.

You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that offers more options to control who can go in and out. This is especially useful if your cat is aggressive or older and may struggle with the traditional flap. This option can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or it is raining outside.

Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, keeping other cats out. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.

Convenience

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

It's easy to teach your cat to make use of small hinged flaps that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through using their preferred food. It can be difficult to get your cat through the first time however once you've mastered it, the practice will become habitual.

Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it to enter. They are more expensive, but they function by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to unlock the flap, granting it access to your home. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the home.

Other models offer different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open and exit only or entrance only. This is useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and comes back especially late at night or you're not home. cat flap installation near me are also useful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and want to ensure that your cat is safe inside.

You can also opt for a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated 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 smart flaps also include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere connected to the internet.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may need to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to push the flap open with a paw or head. Observing them from the inside and out can help you work out the best methods to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are different.

Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by giving them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap as they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward at the other end.

Once your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and take advantage of their newfound freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.


If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outdoors it is possible to keep them inside at night, or leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you make sure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require. It also gives them a way to escape any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.