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 can relate to the feeling of being woken up in the late at night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and come to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats and block access to other. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out as they please. If they prefer remain inside, they can do so at night. This reduces the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be out hunting late at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that could be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will stop them from getting sick.
Cats are able to enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their homes as territory and eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door can protect your cat from other cats by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap may even provide peace of mind when you're away, such as when you go away for the evening or out on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movement in and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to enter and leave. You can also share access to the app with friends and family to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared 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. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap wide open so they can see the outside world and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or treat on either side of the flap, praise and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. When they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps on the market. They all have different features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the proper size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and out easily. Also, you should look for a durable product that can withstand paws claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the home. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not present. Some models have smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the windows or doors by using an app on your smartphone.
This is useful in the event that you are worried that your cat may wander too far away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can track the location of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap in case they do get into trouble.
You can also select a four-way manual locking mechanism, which gives you more control over who is able to enter and leave. This is particularly useful if you have an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This method can be used to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or it is raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a pet's chip and only let it in when the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping your neighbors' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help get more info keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. They can be put on either side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be attached to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their favourite food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.
Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, that detects your pet's microchip and lets it to enter. They are more expensive, however they work by putting an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap, granting it access to your home. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models have different locking options that allow you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. These are great if you read more need to control the time your cat comes and goes, especially at night or when you're away. They can be helpful if you are away from home for an extended time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also choose a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's access and exit with ease. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much more secure for your pet and provide more security. Some of these cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet.
Training
If you here 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 being outside on their own. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adjust to the new situation very quickly. Others may need to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to master how to open the flap with a paw or head. Examining them from both cat flap bifold doors the outside and inside can help you work out what methods to use to train them however, remember that all cats are unique.
Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to try and encourage them by using treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then open the flap. Your cat should be called through the flap, while speaking in an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start introduction to the outdoors and let them experience their new freedom. It is essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like cats that live nearby.
If you're unsure whether your cat can cope with the outdoor world you can always put them in a cage at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you ensure that they get all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also have the security of knowing that they are able to return home whenever they get more info want to.