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 their cats out, only to have them change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats and block access to other. There are many advantages to having a cat flap that are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by letting them in and out as they please. They can stay inside at night if they want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that may be out hunting at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that can be fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from getting sick.
Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for some pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their territory, eating their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only cat to get in and out.
A microchip cat flap can even provide peace of mind when you are not home like when you go out for the evening or on holiday. It links to a hub and app, which tracks your pet's movements in and out of the house and lets you control when they are allowed in and out via a smart curfew feature that you can set. It is possible to share the app with your family and friends so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of security to your cat's security by only the ability to use it when their collar is within a certain distance. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap, especially if they're not used to it - start by leaving the flap open so that they can view and smell the world around them. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item on either side of the flap and give your cat praise and a reward each time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps available, with many offering different features. It is important to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet, to allow them to move in and out without any difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and prevent burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter the house. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to program, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to track your pets movements around the house even when you're away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to track get more info your pet's' movements as they walk through the windows or doors using an app on your smartphone.
This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat could wander too far from home or you're concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and check your pet's status through the app.
You can also opt for a four way manual locking system that offers more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful for cats that are old or aggressive and could be unable to use the traditional flap. This can be used to deter your pets from coming in if they're unwell or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip and only allow it to enter when the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they are effective in keeping your neighbors' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that happen in the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the smells of herbs like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed on either the side of the flap in case they are still hesitant.
It's easy to teach your cat how to utilize small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through by using their preferred food. It might be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, you will be able to make it a habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be utilized. It recognises the microchip of more info your pet and allows it access to. These are more expensive, but they work by using the magnet on your pet's neck to open the flap. These can be a good solution for households with multiple cats as they stop stray cats from entering your home.
Other models offer different locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close with an exit only, or only for entrance. These can be useful if you want to control the time your cat is allowed to go out and come in especially late at night or you're not at home. They may also be useful when you are away from your home for extended periods of time and you need here to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated by an app which means you can control your cat's access and exit easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring, and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet.
Training
It can take some time for a cat's body to become comfortable with going out on their own if they have never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new environment very quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to learn how to push the flap open using a paw or head. Examining your cat from the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best methods of training to use. Remember that every cat is different.
Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them giving them treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side, then call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the learning sessions easier on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to use the flap because they will see that it brings them closer to the reward on the other end.
Once your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is more info essential to keep an eye on your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather or other animals, such as cats that live nearby.
If you're not sure if your cat will be in a here position to handle the outdoors, you can either lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the enrichment and exercise that it needs however, you should also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could arise in the home. They will also be secure knowing that they can always return home if they wish to.