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 being woken up in the middle of the night to let their cat out and only to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and deny access to others. There are a variety of advantages to having a cat flap that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out whenever they want. They can be in the dark if they wish, which will reduce the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be hunting at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.
Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for some pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for your cat is the only one to access the door and exit.
It can also give you peace of mind if you are away from home, like when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It's connected to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed 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 cat-flap that has a microchip and magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is crucial to spend time educating your cat to use the flap, particularly if they aren't familiar with it. Begin by letting the flap open so that they can view and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap. You can praise and reward them every when they do this. Once they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet, so it can be able to enter and out easily. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to program, which makes them perfect for homes with several cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to track the movement of your pets through the window or door through an app on your phone.
This is useful if you're concerned that your cat may wander off from your home or you're concerned about their access more info to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely open the cat flap and monitor your pet's condition using the app.
You can also select a four-way manual locking system that offers more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good way to keep your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that happen in the home. Many cats are also attracted to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either on the other side of the flap if they are still unsure.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be attached to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them to use it by offering their favourite food. It's not easy to get them through the first time, but when they've mastered it start, they should continue to follow the habit.
Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it in. They're more expensive but they work by using a magnet around your pet's neck to open the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models offer different locking options. You can set it to open or closed with an exit only, or only for entrance. These are great when you want to control when your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or when you're not home. They may also be useful if you're away from your home for check here a long period of time and need to ensure your cat remains in a safe place.
You can also choose an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated via an app, that means you can control your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than click here traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater security and are safer for your pet. Some of these smart flaps even have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a flap for their cat, it can take a while to get them used to the idea of going out on their own. Based on their individual nature, some cats are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside can help you decide what training methods to use. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead attempt to encourage them giving them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then open the flap. Call your cat through the cat flap, while speaking in an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them roam around the outside and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are secure outside. Certain cats are susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat can cope with the outdoors get more info it is possible to put them in a cage at night, or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the click here exercise and enrichment it needs however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in the home. They'll also be secure knowing that they can always return home whenever they want to.