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 pets out and only to change their minds and come to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. A cat flap has a number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to come and go whenever they please. They can remain in their home at night if want, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats that may be out hunting at late at night. They can be carriers of deadly diseases that your cat might be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats inside and out. This is a major concern for pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will 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 provide security when you're away, such as when you go away for the evening or out on holiday. It is 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 leave and enter. The app can be shared with family and friends so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an extra layer of protection to your cat's security by only the ability to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is crucial to spend time training your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it. Start by leaving the flap open so that they can view and sniff the outside world. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of flap, praise and reward your cat each time it pushes its head through. Once they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps that are available on the market. Many of them offer various features. It is essential to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet, to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in various ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to enter and exit the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not present. Some models are equipped with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the door or window through an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat might wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can check the status of your pet through the app and remotely lock their cat click here flap if they do get into trouble.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to access and exit the door. This is particularly useful for cats that are more aggressive or if they are older and struggle with a traditional flap. This is a great option to stop your pet from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in when the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great 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 engaged. It can also decrease the number of toileting accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants 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 unsure.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be affixed to a door or window it's easy enough 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 favorite food. It may be difficult here to teach your cat the first time however once you've mastered it, it should website become a habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it in. They're more expensive, but they function by using a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant it access to your home. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the property.
Other models offer various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or close and 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 comes back especially late at night and you're not home. These can be useful when you're away from home for a prolonged time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater security and are more secure for your pet. Some of these flaps even have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
It can take time for a cat to become comfortable with going outside by itself if they have not used a flap before. Based on their individual personality, some are naturally curious and will adapt to the new environment quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or their heads. Watching your cat from both the inside and from the outside can help you decide what training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of yelling at your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Open the flap slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap and notice that it takes them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them out in the open and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe outside. Some cats may be vulnerable to the weather or other animals, like neighboring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outside world, you could always lock them in at night or just leave the flap unlocked to ensure that they have cat flaps for french doors access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to make read more sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also be secure knowing that they are able to return home whenever they wish to.