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 awakened up in the late at night to let their pets out, only for them to change their minds and come to return within minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out whenever they want. If they choose to remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be out hunting late at late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will stop them from catching them.
Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats out and in - this is a major concern for pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap can provide security when you are not home for instance, when you are out for the evening or out on holiday. It links to a hub and an app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of the home and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come out and in via an intelligent curfew that you can set. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide a further layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or food item on either side of the flap and give your cat praise and a reward every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer various features. You should select a cat-flap that's the appropriate size for your pet, so that it can be opened and out without difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and stop burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to enter and exit the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to programme, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to monitor your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not around. Some models have smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the windows or doors through an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat may wander away from home, or you're concerned about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can website track the location of your pet using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they do get into trouble.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system that offers more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow it to enter only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even in case they are hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be fitted to a door or window it's easy enough 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 once they do begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap that recognizes your pet's microchip more info and allows it in. They're more expensive, but they function by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting access to your home. These are a great choice for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models provide various locking options. You can set it to open or cat flaps for french doors close, exit only, or entry only. These are useful for those who need to regulate the frequency at which your cat goes and comes, especially at night or when you're away. They can be helpful in situations where you're away from home get more info for a prolonged time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated by an app which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much more secure for your pet and offer more peace of mind. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring, and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to become used to being out on their own even if they've never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new environment quickly. Some cats will need to be gently urged and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or heads. Observing them from the outside and inside can help you determine what methods you can use to train them, but be aware that all cats are unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place an item on the other side of the more info flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the flap while maintaining an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to utilize the flap since they will realize that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other end.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them enjoy their new freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals such as cats in the area.
If you're not sure if your cat can handle the outdoor world, you could always keep them inside at night or just leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it requires and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. They'll also be secure knowing that they are able to come back home if they want to.