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 are familiar with the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let out their cats, only to have them change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to go and come whenever they please. If they want to stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be hunting in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that could be fatal for your cat and so keeping them in at night will prevent them from getting sick.
Cats can enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their house as territory, eat their food, or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only cat to access the door and exit.
A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind when you are not home like when you go away for the evening or going on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to leave and enter. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.
A microchip cat flap that has an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide additional security by allowing your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is crucial to spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it. Start by letting the flap open so that they can view and sniff around. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favourite toy from either side of the flap and praise and reward them every time they do so. Once they're comfortable using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. It is essential to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet so that they can move between the two without difficulty. You should also look for a durable material that is able to withstand paws, claws and rain.
Some cat flaps are lockable in various ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to enter and exit the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pets movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models have smart technology that allows you to track your pets' movements as they walk through the windows or doors by using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is useful if you are concerned that your cat may wander away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely lock the cat flap and monitor your pet's status through the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to enter and leave. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip and only let it in if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also help reduce the amount of accidents that take place within the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of plants such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to go through it even if they remain in a shaky state.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be affixed to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them to use it by offering their favorite food. It can be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive but they function by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant it access to your home. They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models come with various locking read more options. You can set it to either closed or open and exit only or entry only. They are helpful if you need to control the time your cat is in and out particularly at night or if you're more info not home. They may also be useful when you are away from your home for long periods of time and want to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.
You can also choose a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This lets you manage the entrance 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 security and are safer for your pet. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has read more never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of going out on their own. Certain cats get more info are naturally curious and will adjust to the new environment very quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or heads. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them offering them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to utilize the flap since they will realize that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other side.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introduction to the outdoors and let them experience their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals such as cats in the area.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoor world it is possible to keep them inside at night, or leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that get more info your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs, but you can also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to return home whenever they want to.