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 night to let their pets out, only to have them change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access only to authorized cats, and denying access to others. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go 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 feral cats or other cats that might be hunting at late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats out and in - this is a major concern for some pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will protect your cat from other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
It can also provide peace of mind when you're away from home, like when you go on vacation or go out at night. It is linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movement in and out of the house. 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 are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by allowing them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap and beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they're confident with the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market. They all have various features. It is essential to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet, so that they can easily move into and out with no difficulty. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to access the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movement in the house even when you're not present. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements when you walk through the window or door by using an app on your phone.
This is a great option if you're concerned that your cat might wander too far from home or you're concerned about their access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can track the location of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap should they get into read more any trouble.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This is a great option to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or 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 normal cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your house.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also enticed 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 to use it even in case they are in a shaky state.
If you have a small hinged panel, which can be fitted to a window or door it's easy enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them to use it by offering their favorite food. It can be difficult to make your cat go through the first time but once you've done it, you will be click here able to make it a habit.
Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it in. They are more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant access to your home. They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with a variety of locking options which allow you to make it open, closed, exit only or entry only. These are useful for those who need to regulate the frequency at which your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or when you're not home. They can also be helpful when you are away from your home for a long period of time and you need to ensure that your cat upvc door panel with cat flap stays safely indoors.
You can also choose a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This allows you to 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 cat flaps come with video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat's body to become comfortable with going out on their own if they have never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new experience very quickly. Others may need to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to master how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide which training methods to use. But remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the read more flap (but not enough to see it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the flap while using a calm, positive voice. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat starts to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start 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 here safe outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outside world it is possible to put them in a cage at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they can always return home if they choose to.