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 awakened up in the middle of the night to let their cat out and only to change their minds and want to return within minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow access to only authorized cats, and denying access to others. There are a number of advantages of having a cat flap that are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to go and come whenever they please. If they choose to, they can stay in at the night. This reduces the chances of them being attacked by other cats or wild cats who may be hunting in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that can be fatal to your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from getting sick.
Cats can enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their house as territory or eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one to 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 out at night. It connects to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the house and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come out and back in using an intelligent curfew that you set. It is possible to share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet when you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is recommended to spend some time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly crucial if your cat isn't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. 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 when they do this. Once they're comfortable using the flap, slowly close it.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the right size for your pet, 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.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to secure your home and stop burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg that is inserted into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models come with smart technology that lets you monitor the movement of your pets through the window or door via an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful if you're concerned that your cat may wander too far from home or you're concerned about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely unlock the cat flap and check on your pet's health via the app.
You can also choose a four way manual locking system, which gives you more options to decide who can go in and out. This is check here especially useful if your cat is more aggressive or if they more info are older and have difficulty using the traditional flap. This method can be used to deter your pets from entering your home when they're sick get more info or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, thus blocking other cats. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that take place within 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 on either on the other side of the flap if they are still hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be fitted to a window or door it's easy 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 them through the first time, but when they've mastered it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it in. They're more expensive, but they function by using a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give access to your home. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats website to keep unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models offer various locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open and exit only or entry only. These can be useful for those who want to control when your cat goes out and come in particularly late at night or when you're not home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for a prolonged time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This allows you to manage the entrance and exit of your cat with ease. These cat website flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater peace of mind and are safer for your pet. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to get used to being outside by itself if they have not used a flap before. Based on their individual nature, some cats are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Others may require being gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to push the flap open using a paw or head. Observing them from the outside and inside can help you determine the best methods to train them, but be aware that every cat is unique.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, try to encourage them giving them treats. Place a treat 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 using an upbeat, calm voice. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it leads them closer to their reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat begins to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoors, you could always keep them inside at night or leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.