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 getting up in the middle of the night to let their cats out and only to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap solves this issue.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out at any time they wish. They can stay in their home at night if prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who might be out hunting at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will keep them from catching them.
Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want their neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as their territory, eat their food, or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could provide security even when you're not home for instance, when you go out for the evening or out on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only the ability to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not used to using one. Start by leaving the flap open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or a treat on either side of the flap you can praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. It is essential to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet, so that they can easily move into and out with no difficulty. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to monitor your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track the movements of your pets from the door or window through an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander too far from home or are concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely lock the cat flap and monitor your pet's condition using the app.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system which offers more options to control who can go in and out. This is particularly helpful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can also be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that get more info scan a pet's chip and only allow entry if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also help reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of plants such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the cat flap install flap to encourage them to go through it even in case they are hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat to make use of the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to walk through with their favorite food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive, but they work by using magnets placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These are a good option for multi-cat households to prevent stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options that allow you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entrance only. These can be useful when you want to regulate your cat's movements when they go out and comes back, especially if it's late at night or when click here you're not at home. These can be useful when you're away from home for an extended time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This lets you control the access and exit of your cat easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're safer for your pets and provide more security. Some of these smart flaps also come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new situation very quickly. Others might require to be gently encouraged and need time to learn how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Observing them from the inside and out can help you work out what methods to use to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are unique.
Instead of yelling your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to see the other side) website and place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap and notice that it brings them closer to the reward here on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outdoors you can always keep them inside at night or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it requires and provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to come back home if they'd like to.