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 want to return later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats access and block access to other cats. The flap can provide a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out whenever they want. If they choose to, they can stay in at the night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be out hunting late in the late at night. These animals could carry deadly illnesses that your cat may catch if they are left outside at night.
Cats can get in and out through conventional cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as their territory or eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.
It can also provide peace of mind if you're away from home, for example when you are on vacation or out at night. It links to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of your home and allows you to regulate when they can come in and out via an intelligent curfew 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 pet while you are away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can see the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of the flap and 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 different cat flaps on the market. A lot of them come with different features. You should choose one that is the proper size for your pet so it can be able to enter and out without difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat could wander away from home, or you're concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system that offers more options to control who can access the door and when. This is particularly useful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and have difficulty using the traditional flap. This method can also be used to prevent your pets coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can here help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also decrease the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of plants such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to use it even when they are still uneasy.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be fitted 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 encouraging them to use it by offering their favourite food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, the practice will become habitual.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it in. These are more expensive, however they work more info by putting magnets on your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and stop stray cats from entering your property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options that 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 is in and out particularly at night, or if you're not home. They may also be useful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.
You can also select an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated via an app, that means you can control your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much safer for your pets and offer more security. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of being outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to website the new environment quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap using their paws or heads. Watching them from the outside and inside can help you work out what methods to use to train them, but be aware that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, it's better to try and encourage them by offering them treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the flap, keeping your more info voice positive and calm to make the learning sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap as they will be able to see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other end.
When your cat starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals such as neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outside world, you could always put them in a cage at night, or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situation in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also have the security of knowing that they are able to return home whenever they get more info wish to.