How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Many cat owners can relate to the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their pets out, only for them to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. There are many advantages of having a flap for your cat that are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to move around whenever they please. If they want to remain inside, they can do so at night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be out hunting late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat and so keeping them in at night will stop them from getting sick.
Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for pet owners who do not want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
It also gives you peace of mind when you are away from home, such as when you go on vacation or go out at night. It connects to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of your home and lets you control when they can come out and in via an intelligent curfew that you can set. You can also share access to the app with family and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is crucial to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by letting the flap open to let them see and sniff around. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of flap and give your cat praise and a reward every time it pushes its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and exit easily. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements in the house even when you're not present. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to track the movements of your read more pets from the door or window by through an app on your phone.
This is a great option when you're worried that your cat may wander too far from home or are concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat flap if they get into any trouble.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you more options to decide who can go in and out. This is especially useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat who might struggle with a traditional flap. This can also be used to stop your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose check here to use flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow it to enter if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that take place in the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of plants like cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to go through it even in case they are hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be fitted to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them through it by using their favourite food. It can be difficult to get them through the first time but once they've done it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They're more expensive however they work by putting the magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open, exit only, or only for entrance. They can be helpful when you want to regulate the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in especially late at night or when you're not at home. They are also useful when you are away from home for long periods of time and want to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.
You can also opt for a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater security and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart flaps even include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new environment very quickly. Some cats will need to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or heads. Observing them from the inside and outside can help you determine what methods you can use to train them but keep in mind that all cats are get more info different.
Instead of forcing your cat to read more open the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but more info not so much that it is visible to it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the cat flap, while speaking in an ebullient, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoors and let them experience their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outside world it is possible to keep them inside at night or just leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situation in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be secure knowing that they can always return home if they wish to.