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 getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out and then to change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap can help solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and deny access to others. There are many benefits to using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to move around whenever they like. If they want to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be hunting in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that could prove fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will prevent them from catching them.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for some pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also provide peace of mind if you are away from home, for example when you go on vacation or out at night. It's linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements within and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. The app can be shared with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while 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 allowing them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important that you spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not familiar with it. Begin by letting the flap open to let them see and smell the world around them. Holding out a favourite toy or a treat from either side of flap, encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. You should select a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet's needs so it can be able to enter and exit easily. Also, you should look for a durable product that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using 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 simple to programme, making them ideal for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to monitor your pet's movements within the home even if you're not there. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to track the movement of your pets through the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This is useful in case you're worried that your cat might wander off from your home, or you're worried about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely lock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.
You can also opt for 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 may struggle with a standard flap. This method can also be used to stop your pets coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip and only allow it to enter only back door with cat flap fitted if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. These can be placed either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be fitted to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their favourite food. It might be difficult to teach your cat the first time however once you've mastered it, it should become a habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap that recognizes your pet's microchip and lets it to be inserted. These are more expensive, but they work by using a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. These are a good option for families with multiple cats to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with different locking options. You can set it to open or close and exit only or entrance only. These are useful when you want to control the frequency at which your cat is in and out particularly at night, or if you're not home. They are useful when you're away from home for a long time and want to make sure that more info your cat is secure.
You can also select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled through an app. This allows you to manage the click here entrance and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart flaps also come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat's body to become accustomed to going outdoors on its own, especially if they have never used a flap before. Based on their nature, some are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Others may require being gentle and encouragable, and will more info need time to learn how to open the flap using a paw or head. Examining your cat from the inside and 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, it's better to try and encourage them by giving them treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to see the other side) and place treats on the other side. Call them through the flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the learning sessions easier for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to utilize the flap since they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other side.
When your cat begins to open the flap by here licking or shaking their head, you can begin in introducing them to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like cats that live nearby.
If you are unsure if your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it needs however, you should also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that may occur in the home. They'll also have the security of knowing that they can always come back home if they wish to.