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 waking in the middle night to let their cats out but only to change their mind and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. There are many benefits to having a cat flap that are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to come and go whenever they like. If they prefer, they can stay in at night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be hunting at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats out and in - this is a big worry for pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap can even provide peace of mind even when you're not home, such as when you are away for the evening or out on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can also share your app access with family and friends so that they can monitor your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only the ability 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 especially crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap. Then beg them to do so each time they do it. Once they're comfortable using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available, with many offering different features. It's important to choose the right cat flap for the dimensions of your pet so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to set up, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology that lets you monitor the movement of your pets through the door or window by via an app on your smartphone.
This is helpful in the event that you are worried that your get more info cat might wander too far away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely lock the cat flap and monitor your pet's health via the app.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system which offers more options to decide who can go in and out. This is especially helpful when your cat is a bit old or aggressive and could be unable to use the traditional flap. This is a great option to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip and only let it in if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective method to stop your neighbor's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also decrease the number of accidents that happen within the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of plants like here cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them through it in case they are in a shaky state.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be fitted to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their favorite food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time, but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your click here pet and allows it to enter. These are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with various locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open and exit only or entrance only. These are useful when you want to control when your cat comes and goes, especially at night or when you're not home. They are also useful if you're away from your home for long periods of time and need to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.
You can also choose a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated by an app that means you can control your cat's access and exit easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more peace of mind and are more secure for your pet. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or heads. Watching your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what methods of training to use. Remember that every cat is different.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them using treats. Prop the flap open get more info just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both of you and your cat. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will be able to see that it brings them closer to the reward at the other end.
When your cat begins to open the flap with cat flap installation cost a lick or a head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoors and let them experience their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, including cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outside 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 cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it requires, but you can also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home if they want to.