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 recognize the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cats out, only for them to change their minds and want to return within minutes. A cat flap solves this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats and block access to other. There are many benefits to having a flap for your cat that are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help 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 decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be out hunting late in the late at night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may catch if they are out at night.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats out and in - this is a major concern for pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.
It can also give you peace of mind if you're away from home, such as when you are on vacation or out at night. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an extra layer of protection to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is crucial to spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it. Start by opening the flap so that they can see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then give them praise and rewards each time they do so. Once they're confident with the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available with a variety of features. It is important to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet to allow them to move in and out without any difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to access the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movement inside the house, even if you're not around. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to track the movements of your pets through the door or window by via an app on your smartphone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat may wander off from your home or are concerned about their access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can monitor the health of your pet through the app and remotely open their cat flap should they do get into trouble.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who is able to enter and leave. This is particularly useful when your cat is a bit more aggressive or if they are older and have difficulty using a traditional flap. This option can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when 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 out other cats. read more These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also decrease the number of accidents that happen inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
It's easy to teach your cat to make use of small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to go through by using their favorite food. It may be difficult to make them go through it the first time, but when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It recognises the microchip of your more info pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive, but they work by using the magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great choice for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are read more stray from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open with an exit only, or only for entrance. This is useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and comes back particularly late at night or when you're not home. They are also useful in situations where you're away from your home for long periods of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also select an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled through an app. This lets you manage the access and exit of your cat with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater security and are more secure for your pets. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.
Training
It can take some time for a cat's body to become used to being outside by itself if they have never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may need to be gently enthused and require time to master how to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Examining your cat from the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage here them by giving them treats. Prop the flap open a little (not enough to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions more enjoyable on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to utilize the flap since they will be able to see that it brings them closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introduction to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as cats that live nearby.
If you are unsure if your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their here litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it needs and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll always be able to return home if they want to.