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 later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats access and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap has a number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to go and come whenever they like. If they prefer stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This will decrease the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be hunting at late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will stop them from catching them.
Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their homes as a territory and eat their food or engage in fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only one who can be able to enter and exit.
It can also provide peace of mind if you are away from home, for example 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 outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to enter and leave. It is possible to share the app with 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 add a further layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance from it. You should spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Start 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 holding the treat or their favorite toy from either side of the flap. Then beg them to do so each when they do this. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer different features. You should select one that is the right size for your pet so it can be able to enter and out without difficulty. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from entering. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movement within the home even if you're not around. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements through the window or door through an app on your phone.
This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat flap in case they do get into trouble.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is particularly useful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping your neighbors' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also help reduce the amount of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the smell of plants such as cat thyme and 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 uneasy.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be fitted to a window or door it's easy more info to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them through it by using their favourite food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time, but once you do the practice will become habitual.
Another option is to use magnetic cat flaps, that detects your pet's microchip and lets it to enter. They're more expensive but they work by using the magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a great choice for multi-cat households to prevent unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options, allowing you to make it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. These are great when you want to control the time your cat is in and out, especially at night or if you're not home. They can be helpful in situations www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk where you're away from home for an extended period of time and want to be sure your cat is safe.
You can website also opt for a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These cat flap fitters aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much more secure for your pet and offer more security. Some of these smart flaps include video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to get used to being outdoors on its own, especially if they have never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new experience quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or heads. Watching them from the inside and outside can help you determine what methods to use to train them but be aware that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to be able 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 on both of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it brings them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're not sure whether your cat is capable of surviving 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, more info and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs however, you should also provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they are able to return home if they wish to.