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 pets out and then to change their minds and decide to return later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are a number of benefits to using a cat flap. These include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out at any time they wish. They can be inside at night if they want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that may be out hunting at late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are left outside at night.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats in and out - this is a major concern for some pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could provide security when you're away like when you go going out for dinner or out on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movements within and outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will add additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can observe the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap and give your cat praise and a reward each time it pushes its head through. When they feel confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps that are available on the market. Many of them offer various features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the size of your pet, so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. 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 that is inserted into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window by using an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat could wander away 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 unlock their cat flap should they get into any trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking website system, which offers more options to decide who can go in and out. This is especially helpful if your cat is old or aggressive and could struggle with a traditional flap. This can be used to deter your pets coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the scent of plants like cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to go through it even if they remain hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be affixed 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 favorite food. It can be difficult to get them through the first time but when they've mastered it start, they should continue to follow the habit.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. These are more expensive, however, they function by using the magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models offer different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close, exit only, or entry only. These are useful if you need to control the frequency at which your cat comes and goes, especially at night or when you're not home. They can also be read more helpful when you are away from home for extended periods of time and want to ensure that your cat is in a safe place.
You can also select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This lets you control the entry and exit of your cat with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these flaps also include video monitoring and can be accessed check here from any location with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Depending on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may require being gently enthused and require time to learn how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Watching them from the cat flap installer inside and outside will help you figure out what methods to use to train them, but be aware that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to attempt to encourage them offering them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the cat flap while maintaining an ebullient, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to utilize the flap since they will be able to see that it brings them closer to the reward at the other end.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introducing them to the outdoors and let them experience their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as cats that live nearby.
If you are unsure whether your cat is able to cope with the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they can click here always return home should they wish to.