Those of us who are already servants to our feline overlords might be laughing at the idea that you can train a cat to do anything. However, there are some simple tips you can try to make your cat use a new cat flap with ease.

Typically batteries on most modern models will last for at least 6 months with heavy use, up to 12 months if you have no more than a couple of cats. Cat Flap Installation We do sometimes see cats developing behavioral issues because an unknown cat is entering their home through a normal cat flap, this is because cats are a highly territorial species, and having strange cats in their core territory can be a source of stress,” says Elin Williams, a behavior officer for the charity Cats Protection. If you’ve got more than one cat, the Dual Scan from Sure Petcare could be just the cat flap you’re looking for. It works with both microchips and the SureFlap RFID collar tag but allows you to programme it for individual cats.When the product is fitted in to glass, it requires a circular hole to be made by the Glazier/glass manufacturer.

Prop the cat flap open with a peg or strong tape. Give your cat time to get used to going in and out through the hole and lower it slightly over time so that they have to start pushing it a little. If your cat is reluctant to use the flap, try enticing them through with their favourite treats. The SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect is without a doubt the market leader when it comes to smart cat flap technology (and it’s price reflects that!). If you live somewhere that is prone to lots of rain or snow, you should also look for flaps that promise to withstand tough weather conditions. The flap itself is transparent, which can be handy if your cat waits on the doorstep to be let in the old-fashioned way. It’s made of a super-tough polymer, so is built to last, and is capable of withstanding the repeated headbutts of the toughest tomcats.The eaves beam cleverly double’s as an integral box gutter utilising the support posts as down pipes with the rain water exiting through the variable height post feet. Easy installation with available accessories for doors, windows, walls, glass, uPVC, and wood, also to internal doors The system is manufactured in maintenance free powder coated aluminium in white as standard with any RAL no. colour available at extra cost and lead time. Installation of a cat or dog door can provide your cat or dog with the freedom, exercise, and stimulation they need

Microchip - Activated with your pet implanted microchip - Set the door to open, closed, in only or out only Battery operated - It requires 4 AA batteries (sold separately), which typically last for up to a year and a low battery indicator light flash when the batteries need replacing What this means is that you can program this cat flap to respond differently to different pets. For example, if you have a couple of cats and one of them is due to go to the vets on a particular day you can set up this cat flap so that the cat which is due to go to the vets won’t be allowed out while your other cat will be. If you would like to learn more about this cat flap, read our full SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap review. Microchipping your cat by inserting a tiny chip into your pet is one of the easiest ways to keep it safe. The chip can then be read by a portable scanner, should your cat ever go missing and end up at a vet practice. It’s not harmful to the cat and takes very little time.

The best microchip cat flaps you can buy in 2023

For non-microchipped pets, the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door is also compatible with the SureFlap RFID Collar Tag, and there’s one included in the box so you can get up and running straight away. Able to support up to 25 cats, and supporting the popular 15 digit microchip the PetPorte is easy to install and includes some great extra features.

We advise our adapter kit that is specifically designed for installation into UPVC Doors or Wooden doors with interior metal panels, to improve the sensing range of your cat’s implanted microchip. This can be found here Try to install your cat flap where it will lead to a sheltered area. Most cats don’t like to be exposed to open spaces and might hesitate to use a cat flap that leaves them feeling vulnerable. If you have little choice, try to create a sheltered area around the cat flap using boxes, plants, etc.Elin Williams graduated in 2018 with a degree in Clinical Animal Behavior and Welfare from Harper Adams University in Shropshire, UK. Since graduating she has worked in both the charity and private sectors with a range of animals, but she has always had a soft spot for cats. In her current role, she covers Wales and the South West of England, providing behavioral support for cats in care and those who have recently been adopted. Do microchip cat flaps work? If you’re the proud owner of a Maine Coon – the biggest domestic cat – you’ll know that not all cat flaps cut the mustard. The breed is big-boned and muscular, measuring over three feet long. But this is where the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door for Large Cats comes into its own. If you already have a cat flap installed the installation process should be fairly simple however the cat flap hole may require some reworking to make it fit. READ NEXT: The best cat toys to buy The best cat flaps you can buy in 2023 1. PetSafe Staywell Original 2-Way Pet Door: Best budget cat flap