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 know the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out but only to change their minds and decide to return later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats and deny others access. There are many advantages to having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to go and come whenever they please. They can stay in their home at night if prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that may be out hunting at late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.
Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbors cat to bother their pets, mark their house as territory and eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.
A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind even when you're not home like when you go going out for dinner or out on holiday. It links to a hub and app that tracks your pet's movements in and out of the home and enables you to control when they are allowed out and back in using a smart curfew feature that you can set. You can also share access to the app with friends and family so that they can keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collars will provide an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only permitting them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not familiar with it. Begin by letting the flap open so that they can view and sniff the outside world. By distributing a favorite toy or food item on either side of the flap, praise and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market. Many of them offer various features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the size of your pet so that they can move in and out without any difficulty. You should also search for a durable material that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movements in the house even when you're not around. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements through the windows or doors using an app on your phone.
This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat could wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who is able to enter and leave. This is particularly helpful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat who might struggle with a traditional flap. This is a great option to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they work well to keep the cats of your neighbors out of your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the scent of plants like cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it in case they are uneasy.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be affixed to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat to use it by get more info placing treats on the here other side of the flap and guiding them through it by using their favorite food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. These are more expensive, however, they function by using the magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models offer various locking options. You can set it to open or close with an exit only, or entrance only. These are great if you need to control the time your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or when you're not home. They may also be useful 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 a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This lets you manage the entry and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional get more info cat flaps however they provide greater security and are safer for your pet. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it can 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 experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Watching them from the inside and outside can help you determine what methods to use to train them, but remember that all cats are unique.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to attempt to encourage them using treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to see the get more info other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the learning sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to utilize the flap since they will see that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side.
When your cat starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such check here as the cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're not sure if your cat is able to handle the outside world it is possible to put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it requires, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll be able to return home should they wish to.