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 are familiar with the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let out their cats, only to have them change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access to only authorized cats and deny others access. There are a number of advantages to using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out as they please. They can be inside at night if they want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that may be out hunting in the night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat might contract if not kept in the dark.
Cat flaps that are conventional can let other cats out and in - this is a major issue for some pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep other cats out by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
It also gives you peace of mind when you're away from home, like when you go on vacation or go out at night. It links to a hub as well as an app that tracks your pet's movements in and out of the home and enables you to control the time they are allowed to come out and in via the smart curfew feature you set. You can also share your app access with family and friends so that they can keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only permitting them to use it when 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 familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open to let them observe the outside world and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by holding the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap. Then beg them to do so each time they do so. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market. They all have various features. It is essential to select a cat flap that suits the size of your pet so that they can move into and out with no difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and prevent burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or you can opt for microchip cat flaps that permit 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 movement in the house even when you're not around. Some models are equipped with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movement of your pets through the window or door using an app on your phone.
This can be useful when you're worried that your cat may wander off from your home, or you're concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely open the cat flap and monitor your pet's status through the app.
You can also select a four way manual locking system, which gives you more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is especially helpful if your cat is more aggressive or if they are older and be unable to use an ordinary flap. This method can be used to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry when it is registered, thus blocking other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help to keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also help reduce the amount of accidents that take place in the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain plants such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed more info on either side of the flap to encourage them through it if they remain uneasy.
It's simple to teach your cat to make use of a small hinged flap that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other side of the flap, and encourage them to walk through with their preferred food. It may be difficult to get your cat through the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.
A repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. These are more expensive, however, they function by using magnets around your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a good option for households with multiple cats to stop stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to make it open, closed, exit only or entry only. This is useful when you want to regulate your cat's movements when they go out and comes back especially late at night or you're not home. They may also be useful when you are away from home for long periods of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safely indoors.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit without difficulty. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more peace of mind and are safer for your pet. Some of these smart flaps include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a flap for their cat, it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of being outside on their own. Based on their personality, some are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Others may need to be gently encouraged and need time to here master how to open the flap using a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide on the best methods of training to use. But remember that every cat is different.
Rather than trying to force your cat through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by using treats. Open the flap a little (not enough to see the other side) and then place a treat on the other side, then call them through the flap, making sure your voice is get more info calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to use the flap because they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other end.
Once your cat starts to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can begin introduction to the outdoors and let them enjoy their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are safe out there. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather or other animals, including neighboring cats.
If you are unsure whether your cat will be able to cope with the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it requires however, you should also give them a way to escape check here any stressful situations that could occur in the home. They'll also have the security of knowing that they will be able to return home whenever they want to.