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 have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats but only to change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats and deny others access. 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 allowing them in and out as they please. If they choose to, they can stay in at the night. This will reduce the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be out hunting late at night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats in and out - this is a major concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their homes as their territory, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
It also gives you peace of mind if you're away from home, such as when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It's linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew to regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. You can also share the app access with family and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add a further layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is important that you spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it - start by opening the flap so that they can view and sniff around. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap and beg them to do so each time they do it. Once they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet's needs so it can be able to enter and out easily. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and deter burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you are away from home. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pets' movements through the door or window by using an app on your phone.
This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat might wander away from home or check here if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely open their cat flap should they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for a four way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is especially useful when your cat is a bit old or aggressive and could struggle with an ordinary flap. This option can be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems are website more expensive than standard cat flaps, but check here they can be effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen within the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of plants such as cat thyme, 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 uneasy.
It's easy to teach your cat how to make use of the small hinged flap that can be affixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to go through with their favorite food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time, but once you do you will be able to make it a habit.
Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. They're more expensive however they work by putting the magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a good option for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models have different locking options, allowing you to make it open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. These are useful when you want to control the time your cat is in and out particularly at night or when you're not home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from home for long periods of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also choose an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This lets you manage the access and exit of your cat with ease. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater security and are safer for your pets. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection.
Training
It can read more take some time for a cat to get used to being outside by itself if they have never used a flap before. Based on their individual nature, some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Watching them from the outside and inside will help you figure out the best methods to train them however, keep in mind that all cats are unique.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by using treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Make your cat a call through the cat flap while maintaining a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap because they will see that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side.
When your cat begins to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoors and let them explore their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, including neighboring cats.
If you are unsure whether your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter more info box, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires however, you should also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that may occur in the home. They will also be secure knowing that they will be able to come back home if they wish to.