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 will recognise the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cat out but only to change their minds and want to return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. There are a variety of benefits to having a cat flap that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out as they please. If they choose to stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be out hunting late in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that could prove fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will keep them from catching them.
Cats can enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their house as a territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also provide peace of mind when you are away from home, for example when you are on vacation or go out at night. It connects to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements into and out of the home and lets you control the time they are allowed to come in and out via the smart curfew feature you can set. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is important that you spend time training your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it - start by letting the flap open so that they can see and smell the world around them. By distributing a favorite toy or treat from either side of the flap, encourage and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. It is essential to select one that is suitable for the dimensions of your pet so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. You should also search for a hard-wearing material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to programme, making them ideal for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movement within the home even if you're not present. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window by via an app on your smartphone.
This is useful if you are concerned that your cat may wander off from click here their home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely open their cat flap should they are in trouble.
You can also choose a four way manual locking system, which gives you more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can also be check here used to prevent your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they work well to keep your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also reduce the number of accidents that occur inside the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain 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 go through it even if they remain in a shaky state.
It's simple to teach your cat to use the small hinged flap that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through by using their favorite food. It may be difficult check here to make them go through it the first time, but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to be inserted. They're more expensive but they work by using magnets placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models come with various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed and exit only or entry only. These can be useful for those who want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in especially late at night or you're not at home. They can be helpful in situations where you're away from home for a long period of time and want to be sure that your cat is secure.
You can also choose a click here cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, that means you can control your cat's entry and exit easily. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, but they offer greater peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to become used to being outdoors on its own, especially if they have never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to try and encourage them by offering them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the flap, while speaking in an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it takes them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
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 explore their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like neighboring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat can handle the outside world it is possible to put them in a cage at night, or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll website also feel secure knowing they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.