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 being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and decide to go to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access only to authorized cats and deny others access. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to come and go whenever they please. They can stay in their home at night if wish, which will reduce their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who may be out hunting at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from catching them.
Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats out and in - this is a major issue for some pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can get in and out.
It can also provide peace of mind if you're away from home, such as when you are on vacation or go out at night. It connects to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements in and out of your home and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and in via a smart curfew feature that you can set. The app can be shared with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide additional security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap, give your cat praise and a reward each time it puts its head through. Once they are confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market. A lot of them come with different features. It is important to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet, so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable 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 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 which allow only registered cats to access and leave the house. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to program, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets click here movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window through an app on your phone.
This can be useful when you're worried that your cat might wander away from home or you're concerned about website them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and check your pet's condition using the app.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system, which gives you click here more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially useful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may struggle with a traditional flap. This is more info a great option to stop your pet 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 the microchip is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they work well to keep your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that occur inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put either side of the flap if they are still unsure.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be affixed to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them through it by using their favourite food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, it should become a habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it to be inserted. They're more expensive however they work by putting a magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great choice for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options. You can set it to open or closed and exit only or only for entrance. These are great when you want to control when your cat is in and out, especially at night or when you're away. They can also be helpful when you are away from your home for a long period of time and need to ensure that your cat is safely indoors.
You can also select an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated via an app, that means you can control your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet.
Training
It may take a while for a cat's body to become used to being outdoors on its own, especially even if they've never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new situation very quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Examining your cat from the inside and from the outside can help you decide what training methods to use. But remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, try and encourage them by using treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side, then call them through the flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap and notice that it leads them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat here starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and enjoy their newfound freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals like cats in the area.
If you're unsure whether your cat is 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 other toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it requires however, you should also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that could occur in the home. They'll also feel secure knowing they can always return home should they wish to.