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 middle of the night to let their cat out and only to change their minds and decide to go to return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to move around whenever they want. If they want to, they can stay in at the night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be out hunting late in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from catching them.
Cats can enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This is a worry for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their homes as their territory, eat their food, or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also give you peace of mind when you're away from home, like when you are on vacation or out at night. It links to a hub as well as an app that tracks your pet's movements in and out of your home and enables you to control the time they are allowed to come in and out via an intelligent curfew that you can set. The app can be shared with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only allowing them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is crucial to spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it - start by letting the flap open so that they can view and sniff around. Holding out a favourite toy or food item on either side of the flap and praise and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they are confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out without difficulty. You should also search for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in various ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock or opt for microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pet's movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window by using an app on your smartphone.
This is useful if you are concerned that your cat could wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely open the flap on your cat's door and monitor your pet's condition using the app.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system which gives you more options to decide who can go in and out. This is especially useful if your cat is old or aggressive and could be unable to use an ordinary flap. This 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 the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, keeping out other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also reduce the back door with cat flap fitted number of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them through it if they remain hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be affixed to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them through it by using their favourite food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time, but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.
Another get more info alternative is to opt for magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. They're more expensive, but they function by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant it access to your home. They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and stop stray cats from entering your home.
Other models have different locking options that allow you to choose to lock it open shut, closed, exit only or entrance only. They are helpful when you want to control when your cat goes and comes, especially at night or when you're not home. They are also useful if you're away from your home for extended periods of time and want to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's entry get more info and exit with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to become used to being out on their own if they have not used a flap before. Based on their nature, some are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Examining your cat from the inside and the outside will help you decide on the best methods of training here to use. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through get more info the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the cat flap, while speaking in a calm, positive voice. 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 end.
When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situation in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be secure knowing that they will be able to return home whenever they wish to.