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 are familiar with the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night to let out their cats but only to change their minds and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap could solve this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. There are a variety of advantages of having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. If they prefer stay inside, they are able to do so at the night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, and so keeping them in at night will stop them from getting sick.
Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their homes as territory or eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can get in and out.
It can also give you peace of mind when you are away from home, like when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It links to a hub and an app that tracks your pet's movements in and out of your home and enables you to control the time they are allowed to come out and back in using a smart curfew feature that you can set. You can also share access to the app with family members and friends to ensure that they monitor your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide additional security by only allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance from it. It is essential to spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it - start by leaving the flap open so that they can see and sniff around. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap. You can give them praise and rewards each when they do this. When they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. You should choose one that is the appropriate size for your pet's needs so that it can be opened and out easily. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to access and leave the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to monitor your pet's movements around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models are equipped with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pets' movements through the door or window through an app that you can download on your phone.
This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat could wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely lock the cat flap and check your pet's health via the app.
You can also opt for a read more four way manual locking system which offers more options to control who can access the get more info door and when. This is particularly useful when your cat is a bit old or aggressive and could be unable to use an ordinary flap. This can also be used to stop your pets from coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, keeping out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs like cat thyme (catmint) as well as catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
It's simple to teach your cat to use the small hinged flap that can be affixed to a window or door. Place treats at the other end of the flap and encourage them to walk through by using their favorite food. It can be difficult to get them through the first time but once they've done it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
Another alternative is to opt for magnetic cat flaps, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. They're more expensive however, they function by using magnets placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. These are a good option for households with multiple cats to stop pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entry only. These can be useful if you want to control the time your get more info cat is allowed to go out and returns, especially if it's late at night and you're not at home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a long time and you want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled via an app. This lets you control the entrance and exit of your cat with ease. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps but they're more secure for your pet and provide more security. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to become comfortable with going outdoors on its own, especially if they have never used a flap before. Based on their individual personality, some are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Certain cats need to be gently encouraged and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or head. 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 different.
Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the cat flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use get more info the flap because they will realize that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side.
When your cat starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them out in the open and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure if your cat is able to 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 ensure that your check here cat is getting the exercise and stimulation it needs however, you should also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that may occur in the home. They will also be secure knowing that they can always come back home if they want to.