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 getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats, only to have them change their mind and want to return later. A cat flap can help solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats and deny others access. There are a variety of benefits to using a cat flap. These include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to move around whenever they please. If they want to remain inside, they can do so at night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals have diseases that could be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will prevent them from getting sick.
Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats out and in - this is a big worry for some pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.
It can also give you peace of mind when you are away from home, such as when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance from it. You should spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open to let them see the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap. You can give them praise and rewards each when they do this. When they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps that are available on the market. Many of them offer different features. It is essential to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet, to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in different ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to install, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not there. here Some models are equipped with smart technology that lets you monitor the movement of your pets through the window or door using an app on your smartphone.
This is useful if you're concerned that your cat may wander away from home or you're worried about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can track the location of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap in case they do get into trouble.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system which gives you more options to control who can go in and out. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or an older cat who may struggle with a standard flap. This can be used to deter your pets from coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they work well to keep your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to go through it even in case they are in a shaky state.
It's simple 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 using their favorite food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time, but once you do the practice will become habitual.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap, that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it in. These are more expensive, however they work by putting magnets placed on the neck of your click here pet to unlock the flap. click here They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models come with different locking options. You can set it to open or closed and exit only or entry only. This is useful if you want to control your cat's movements when they website go out and returns particularly late at night or you're not at home. They are also useful if you're away from your home for extended periods of time and want to ensure your cat remains safely indoors.
You can also select an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled via an app. This allows you to manage the entrance and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these flaps also have 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 not used a flap before. Based on their individual personality, some are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best methods of training to use. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the flap, while speaking in an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap because they will see that it brings them closer to the reward on the other end.
Once your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the cats in the area.
If you are unsure whether your cat is able to cope with the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. This lets you make sure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation that they need but it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be read more secure knowing that they can always return home if they'd like to.