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 cats out and then to change their minds and want to return later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats and block access to other. There are a variety of advantages to having a cat flap that include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. They can remain in their home at night if prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be hunting at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will keep them from catching them.
Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats out and in - this is a major issue for some pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their territory, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat, and then unlocking it only for your cat.
It can also provide peace of mind when you're away from home, for example when you are on vacation or go out at night. It's 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 to regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. You can also share your app access with friends and family to ensure that they monitor your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide a further layer of 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 training your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not familiar with it. Begin by letting the flap open to let them see and sniff the outside world. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of the flap and encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market. A lot of them come with different features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the size of your pet, so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to program, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to monitor your pet's movements within the home even if you're not around. Some models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track the movements of your pets from the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful when you're worried that your cat could wander too far from home or are concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the cat flap and monitor your pet's health via the app.
You can also choose a four way manual locking system, which offers more options to decide who can access the door and when. This is especially useful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with the traditional flap. This option can also be used to stop more info your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally active. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. A lot of cats are also attracted here by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. These can be get more info placed on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat how to make use of the small hinged flap that can be affixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through by using their preferred food. It may be difficult to make them go through it the first time, but once they've done it, they should take up the habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. They are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to open or closed with an exit only, or only for entrance. These are useful when you want to control when your cat is in and out, especially at night or when you're away. These can be useful when you're away from home for an extended time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This lets you manage more info the access and exit of your cat easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much more secure for your pet and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet.
Training
It can take time for a cat's body to become used to being outdoors on its own, especially in the event that they've never used a flap before. Based on their personality, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently urged and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or head. Watching them from the inside and outside can help you work out what methods you can use to train them, but be aware that all cats are unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side, then call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions easier for both of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it takes them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Certain cats are susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure if your cat is able to handle the outdoors it is possible to put them in a cage at night or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they require. It it also provides more info them with a means of escape from any stressful situations in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also have the security of knowing that they are able to come back home if they want to.