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 know the feeling of waking in the middle of the night to let out their cats, only to have them change their minds and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and deny access to others. There are a number of benefits to having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out at any time they wish. They can remain in the dark if they want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who might be hunting at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are left outside at night.
Cats can enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their homes as territory or eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
It can also give you peace of mind when you're away from home, such as when you go on vacation or out at night. It links to a hub and app, which tracks your pet's movements into and out of the house and enables you to control when they can come out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you can set. You can share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is essential to spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it - start by opening the flap so that they can view and smell the world around them. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap. Then give them praise and rewards each time they do so. Once they are confident using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps on the market. They all have different features. You should select a cat-flap that's the appropriate size for your pet, so that it can be opened and exit easily. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that can withstand paws, claws and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and deter burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to programme, making them perfect for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not around. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to track the movements of your pets through the window or door via an app on your smartphone.
This is useful if you're concerned that your cat could wander too far from home or you're concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely unlock their cat flap should they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism, which gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or an older cat who might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to deter your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, but they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It also helps reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also drawn by the scents of herbs such as 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 get more info unsure.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be attached to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and encouraging them to use it by offering their favorite food. It can be difficult to get your cat through the first time, but once you do you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They're more expensive however they work by putting the magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. These are a good option cat flap in bifold doors for households with multiple cats to stop stray animals from entering the property.
Other models provide various locking options. You can set it to either closed or open, exit website only, or only for entrance. This is useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and returns particularly late at night and you're not home. They can also be helpful when you are away from home for a long period of time and you need to ensure that your cat is safely indoors.
You can also choose a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated via an app, that means you can control your cat's access and exit easily. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it can take a while to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new situation very quickly. Certain cats need to be gently encouraged and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, try to encourage them with treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the flap while maintaining an ebullient, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap and notice that it leads them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat is beginning to push the read more flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor world and let them enjoy their new freedom. But, it's crucial to watch your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals such as cats in the area.
If you're not sure if your cat can cope with the outdoors, you could always put them in a cage at night or leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and stimulation they here require. It it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations around the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be able to rest in the knowing that they will be able to come back home if they want to.