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 being woken up in the late at night to let their cats out, only for them to change their minds and decide to go to return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats in and deny access to others. A cat flap has 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 as they please. If they prefer remain inside, they can do so at the night. This reduces the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be out hunting late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are out at night.
Cats are able to enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their house as a territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep out other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can provide security even when you're not home for instance, when you are away for the evening or out on holiday. It connects to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house and lets you control the time they are allowed to come out and back in using the smart curfew feature you set. You can also share the app access with family and friends to ensure that they monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will add a further layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is essential to spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not familiar with it. Begin by leaving the flap open to let them see and sniff the outside world. Holding out a favourite toy or treat from either side of flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market. A lot of them come with different features. It's important to choose the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet so that they can easily move in and out without any difficulty. You should also look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to access the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to track your pets' check here movements through the door or window through an app that you can download on your phone.
This is helpful when you're worried that your cat could wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely open their cat flap should they are in trouble.
You can also opt for a four way manual locking system get more info that offers more options to decide who can go in and out. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat how to use small hinged flaps that can be attached to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It can be difficult to get your cat through the first time however once you've mastered it, it should become a habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it in. They're more expensive however, they function by using a magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to make it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. These can be useful when you want to regulate your cat's movements when they go out and comes back especially late at night or when you're not home. They can also be helpful when you are away from your home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.
You can also select an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more security and are safer for your pet. Some of these flaps include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it could click here take a while to get them used to the idea of going outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new environment very quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to open the flap with a paw or head. Examining your cat from the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. But remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to utilize the flap since they will see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other side.
When your cat begins to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and make sure they are secure outdoors, as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat is in a position to handle the click here outdoors, you can keep them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but also gives them a way of escape website from any stressful situations in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be secure knowing that they can always return home if they want to.