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 but only to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out whenever they want. They can be inside at night if they wish, which will reduce the chance of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that may be out hunting at late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are left outside at night.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats out and in - this is a big worry for some pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their territory, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also give you peace of mind when you are away from home, like when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It is linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an extra layer of security to your cat's security by only allowing them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching 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 that they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of the flap you can praise and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. You should select one that is the proper size for your pet so that it can be opened and out easily. You should also look for a durable product that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to access the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with several cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models have intelligent technology that allows you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window by using an app on your smartphone.
This is useful if you are concerned that your cat might wander too far away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.
You can also choose a four way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to deter your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, thereby keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep website your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen 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 entice them to use it even if they remain uneasy.
It's easy to teach your cat to utilize the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It's not easy to master the process the first time, but once they do start, they should continue to follow the habit.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap, that recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They are more expensive, however, they function by using the magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. They can be a great solution for households check here with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models come with a variety of locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entry only. These can be useful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and returns, especially if it's late at night or when you're not home. They can be helpful in situations where you're away from home for an extended time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled via an app. This allows you to manage the entry and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more peace more info of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being outside on their own. Based on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will need to here be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or heads. Observing them from the inside and out will help you figure out what methods you can use to train them but keep in mind that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, try to encourage them using treats. Open the flap slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place a treat on the other side. Then, call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap and notice that it takes them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the cats in the area.
If you are unsure if your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can either lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. This lets you ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation they require. It also gives them a way of escape from any stressful here situation in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they will be able to return home whenever they want to.