How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their pets out and only to change their minds and decide to go to return within minutes. A cat flap solves this problem.

It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats and block access to other. A cat flap offers number benefits, including:

Peace of Mind

Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they like. They can stay inside at night if they want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from being bitten by them.

Conventional cat flaps also let other cats in and out - this is a big worry for some pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food or getting into 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 that, so your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.

It also gives you peace of mind when you are away from home, like when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It connects to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of the house and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and in via the smart curfew feature you can set. You can also share your app access with friends and family to ensure that they monitor your pets while you're away.

A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is important that you spend time training your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it. Start by leaving the flap open so that they can view and sniff around. Holding out a favourite toy or food item from either side of the flap, praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident you can gradually close the flap.

Safety

There are many cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. You should select a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and out easily. You should also search for a durable material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to programme, making them ideal for homes with several cats.

Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements in the house even when you're not there. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to track your pet's' movements through the door or window through an app that you can download on your phone.

This is helpful in the event that you are worried that your cat could wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet's health using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they are in trouble.

You can also choose a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This is a great option to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.

Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, keeping out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.

Convenience

Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the number of accidents that take place within the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put on either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.

If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be attached to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them through it by using their favourite food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, it should become a habit.

A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive but they work by using magnets around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the property.

Other models have different locking options which allow you to make it open, closed, exit only or entry only. These are great for those who need to regulate the time your cat goes and comes particularly at night or when you're not home. They are useful if you are away from home for a long time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.

You can also select a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, that means you can control your cat's access and exit easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Training

It can take time for a cat to become used to being out on their own even if they've not used a flap before. Based on their individual nature, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap using their paws or head. Examining  cat flap bifold doors  from the inside and outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. But remember that every cat is different.

Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Call your cat through the cat flap, while speaking in an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it brings 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 roam around the outside and have fun in their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals such as cats that are in the vicinity.

If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outside world you can always keep them inside at night, or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it requires, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They'll also be secure knowing that they can always return home whenever they want to.