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 recognise the feeling of being awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cats out, only for them to change their minds and come to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats and deny others access. There are a variety of benefits to having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to go and come whenever they want. They can remain inside at night if they want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that may be out hunting at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could catch if they are out at night.
Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats out and in - this is a big worry for some pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one to be able to enter and exit.
It can also provide peace of mind if you're away from home, such as when you are on vacation or out at night. It connects to a hub as well as an app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of the house and lets you control when they can come out and in via a smart curfew feature that you can set. You can also share the app access with friends and family so that they can monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an extra layer of security to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. You should spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open to let them see the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of flap you can praise and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. You should choose one that is the proper size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and out easily. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to install, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models have smart technology that enables you to track your pets' movements through the door or window through an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful if you're concerned that your cat might wander too far from home, or you're concerned about read more their access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can monitor the health of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they are in trouble.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system that offers more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat who may struggle with a standard flap. This method can also be used to stop your pets from coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also help reduce the amount of accidents that take place within the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain plants such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to use it even if they remain uneasy.
It's simple to teach your cat to utilize check here small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through with click here their favorite food. It may be difficult to master the process the first time but once they do start, they should continue to follow the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop stray animals from entering the property.
Other models have different locking options that allow you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entry website only. They can be helpful 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 get more info you're not at home. They can also be helpful if you're away from home for long periods of time and need to ensure your cat remains safely indoors.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated by an app that means you can control your cat's access and exit without difficulty. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more peace of mind and are safer for your pet. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere connected to the Internet.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it could take a while to get them used to the idea of being out on their own. Based on their personality, some are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Certain cats need to be gently encouraged and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Watching them from the inside and outside will help you figure out the best methods to train them however, keep in mind that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap and notice that it brings them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them enjoy their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.
If you are unsure whether your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also have the security of knowing that they can always return home whenever they wish to.