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 know the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let their cats out, only to have them change their minds and decide to return later. A cat flap can help solve this issue.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access to only authorized cats and deny others access. There are many advantages of using a cat flap. These include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to go and come whenever they like. If they choose to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be out hunting late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will prevent them from catching them.
Cats are able to enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their house as their territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door can keep out other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could even give you peace of mind when you are not home, such as when you go going out for dinner or going on holiday. It connects to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the house and allows you to regulate when they can come out and back in using the smart curfew feature you set. You can share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an 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 certain distance. It is important to spend time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open to let them see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap. You can give them praise and rewards each time they do it. Once they're comfortable using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available with a variety of features. You should select one that is the proper size for your pet so that it can enter and out without difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in various ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, making them ideal for homes with several cats.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they permit 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 movements of your pets from the window or door via an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat might wander too far from home or are worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can monitor the health of your pet's health using the app and remotely open their cat flap in case they get into any trouble.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system which offers more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or an older cat who might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also attracted to the scents of plants such as cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put either the side of the flap in case more info they are still hesitant.
It's easy to teach your cat how to use small hinged flaps that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats check here on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to go through using their favorite food. It can be difficult to get them through the first more info time but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.
Another alternative is to opt for magnetic cat flaps, which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. They're more expensive however they work by putting the magnet around your pet's neck to open the flap. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close and exit only or only for entrance. They can be helpful for those who want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in especially late at night and you're not at home. These can be useful in situations where you're away from home for a long 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 by an app. This allows you to control the access and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, but they offer greater peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these flaps also include video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Some here cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others may need to be gently enthused and require time to learn how to open the flap with a paw or head. Examining them from both the inside and outside can help you determine what methods to use to train them but be aware that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Call them through the flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the training sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap because they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward at the other end.
When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as neighboring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outdoor world it is possible to put them in a cage at night or just leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, here puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require. It also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situation in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be secure knowing that they will be able to return home if they want to.