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 woken up in the late at night to let their cat out but only to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access only to authorized cats and deny others access. The flap can provide a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out as they please. They can be inside at night if they prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that may be out hunting during the night. Many of these animals have diseases that could be fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will stop them from catching them.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats out and in - this is a big worry for pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can get in and out.
It can also provide peace of mind when you are away from home, like when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It's linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movement in and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. It is possible to share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will add a further layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance of it. You should spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or a treat from either side of flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available and many of them come with different features. It is important to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
The main benefit 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 come with smart technology that enables you to monitor your pets' movements through the windows or doors by using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is beneficial if you are concerned that your cat might wander off from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely open the cat flap and monitor your pet's health via the app.
You can also opt for the four-way manual locking system that offers more options to control who more info can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This can also be used to stop your pets coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a website pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to keep your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It also helps to reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be attached to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It can be difficult to get them through the first time, but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're more expensive, but work by using a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give access to your home. These are a good option for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to either closed or open with an exit only, or only for entrance. These can be useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and come in especially late at night and you're not at home. They can also be helpful when you are away from your home for long periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.
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 access 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 more security and are safer for your pet. Some of these smart flaps even have video monitoring and can be accessed 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 may take some time to get them used to the idea of going outside on their own. Depending on check here their personality, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Certain cats need to be gently encouraged and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or heads. Watching them from the inside and out can help you determine the best methods to train them but keep in mind that all cats are unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the cat flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap because they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward at the other end.
Once your cat starts to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Some cats could be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, such as cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure whether your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the heremore info exercise and enrichment it requires, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in the home. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they can always come back home if they'd like to.