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 have experienced the feeling of waking in the middle of the night by a call to let their cats out but only to change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap solves this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats, and denying access to others. The flap can provide a number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to come and go whenever they want. If they want to stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will keep them from catching them.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats inside and out. This is a big worry for some pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only one to be able to enter and exit.
A microchip cat flap may even give you peace of mind when you are not home, such as when you go away for the evening or on holiday. It connects to a hub as well as an app that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the house and allows you to regulate when they can come in and out via a smart curfew feature that you set. You can share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you're away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open to let them see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap and praise and reward them every time they do so. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market. Many of them offer various features. It is important to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to access and leave the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to install, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the window or door by using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is useful if you are concerned that your cat could wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely open their cat flap if they do get into trouble.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and may struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip, and let it in only if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help to keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice more info them to use it even if they remain hesitant.
It's easy to teach your cat how to utilize the small hinged flap that can be attached to a window or door. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through with their favorite food. It can be difficult to master the process the first time, but when they've mastered it start, they should continue to follow the habit.
Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it in. These are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. These are a great choice for multi-cat households to prevent unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models offer various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed, exit only, or entry only. These are useful if you need to control the frequency at which your cat comes and goes, especially at night or if you're not home. They can here be helpful in situations where you're away from home for a long time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
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 the entrance 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 flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Based on their individual personality, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Observing them from the inside and outside will help you figure out what methods to use to train them, but keep in mind that all cats are unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the cat flap, while speaking in an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap because they will be able to see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open with a lick or a head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Some cats could be susceptible to weather conditions and website other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure whether your cat is in a position to handle the outdoors, you can either lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. You can ensure that your cat gets website the get more info exercise and enrichment it requires and give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in the home. They will also have the security of knowing that they are able to return home if they want to.