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 are familiar with the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out and then to change their mind and want to return later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access only to authorized 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 permitting it to move around whenever they please. They can remain inside at night if they prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who might be out hunting at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal for your cat and so keeping them in at night will stop them from catching them.
Cats are able to enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a worry for pet owners who don't want their neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their home as territory or eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only cat to get in and out.
It also gives you peace of mind if you are away from home, for example when you go on vacation or go out at night. It is linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. You can also share the app access with family and friends so that they can monitor your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so they can see the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item on either side of the flap and encourage and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps on the market. A lot of them come with different features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the right size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and out without difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip 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 ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not around. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets through the window or door via an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful if you're concerned that your cat might wander too far from home, or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they get into any trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system, which gives you more options to control who can access the door and when. This is particularly useful when you have a check here naive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to deter your pets coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These more info systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Access to the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that take place within the home. A lot of cats are check here also attracted by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be attached to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them to use it by offering their favorite food. It may be difficult to master the process the first time, but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, but they function by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting access to your home. These are a great choice for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options that allow you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit upvc door panels cat flap only or entrance only. This is useful when you want to regulate when your cat goes out and returns particularly late at night and you're not at home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.
You can also choose a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This allows you to control the access and exit of your cat easily. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater security and are more secure for your pets. Some of these smart flaps also include 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 being outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to learn to push the flap open with a paw or head. Examining them from both the inside and outside can help you work out what methods you can use to train them but be aware that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, you should instead attempt to encourage them offering them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the flap while maintaining a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap as they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other side.
When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introduction to the outdoor environment and let them experience their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as cats that live nearby.
If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outside world it is possible to lock them in at night or leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This will allow more info you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation that they need but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they will be able to return home if they want to.