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 waking in the middle of the night by a call to let their cats out, only to have them change their minds and decide to return later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats and deny others access. There are a number of benefits to using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out as they please. They can remain in their home at night if want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be hunting at late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are left outside at night.
Cats can get in and out via standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want their neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their homes as their territory, eat their food, or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only cat to get in and out.
A microchip cat flap may even provide peace of mind when you're away for instance, when you are going out for dinner or going on holiday. It connects to a hub and app that tracks your pet's movements in and out of your home and lets you control the time they are allowed to come out and back in using the smart curfew feature you set. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is important to spend time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not used to using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap. You can beg them to do so each time they do it. When they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps available on the market. A lot of them come with various features. It is essential to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet to allow them to move between the two without difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to programme, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you're away from home. get more info Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to track the movement of your pets through the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful when you're worried that your cat may wander off from your home or are concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous click here in the neighbourhood. You can remotely lock the flap for your cat and check your pet's health via the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a pet's chip, and let it in if the pet is registered. website This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good way to prevent your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps to reduce the number of accidents that take place within the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of plants like cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them through it when they are still uneasy.
It's easy to teach your cat how to use a small hinged flap that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It may be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.
Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it to enter. These are more expensive but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting access to your home. These are a great choice for households with multiple cats to stop stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with various locking options. You can set it to open or close with an exit only, or entrance only. They can be helpful if you want to control your cat's movements when they go out and more info comes back particularly late at night and you're not at home. They are useful when you're away from home for a prolonged time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also select a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated by an app which means you can control your cat's entry and exit easily. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much safer for your pets and offer more peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new environment quickly. Others may need to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to master how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Observing your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. But remember that every cat is different.
Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that check here it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the cat flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to utilize the flap since they will be able to see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other end.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them experience their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure they are secure outdoors, as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. They will also have the security of knowing that they are able to return home if they want to.