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 recognize the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their cats out, only for them to change their minds and come back inside minutes later. A cat flap can help solve this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. There are a variety of benefits to having a cat flap that are:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out whenever they want. If they prefer 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 out hunting late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could contract if left outside at night.
Cats can enter and exit through conventional cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their homes as territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only one who can get in and out.
It also gives you peace of mind when you are away from home, like when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It is linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. You can share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar will add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by allowing them to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by leaving the flap open to let them see and smell the world around them. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap and praise and reward them every time they do so. When they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market. A lot of them come with different features. It is essential to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet, so that they can easily move into and out with no difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in different ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to install, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you are away from home. Some models have smart technology that enables you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the windows or doors through an app on your phone.
This is helpful in the event that you are worried that your cat could wander away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and monitor your pet's condition using the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to enter and leave. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can also be used to prevent your pets from entering your home if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good way to prevent your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen within the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them through it when they are still uneasy.
It's simple to teach your cat how to use small hinged flaps that can be attached to a door or window. Place treats at the other get more info end of the flap, and encourage them to go through with 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.
Another option is to use magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes your pet's microchip and lets it to enter. These are more expensive however they work by putting an electronic device attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap, granting it access to your home. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options that allow you check here to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entry only. These are useful when you want to control when your cat is in and out particularly at night, or when you're away. They may also be useful when you are away from your home for long periods of time and need to ensure your cat remains in a safe place.
You can also select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled via an app. This lets you manage the entry and exit of your cat easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're more secure for your pet and provide more security. Some of these smart flaps even come with video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used website a cat flap before, it can take a while to get them used to the idea of being out on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new experience very quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or head. Examining your cat from the inside and from the outside will help you decide which methods of training to use. But remember that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them using treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the flap, while speaking in a fitting a cat flap calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap because click here they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other end.
Once your cat starts to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them explore their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats in the area.
If you're 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 so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They'll also have the security of knowing that they can always return home if they'd like to.