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 by a call to let their cats out and then to change their minds and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap could solve this problem.
It is operated by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats access and deny access to others. A cat flap has a number of advantages, including:
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 prefer, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that might be hunting at late at night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are out at night.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats out and in - this is a major concern for some pet owners who do not want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by reading the unique microchip number of your cat and allowing it only for your cat.
It also gives you peace of mind when you are away from home, for example when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew in order to regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. You can also share access to the app with friends and family to ensure that they monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add an additional layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is important to spend time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so they can observe the outside world and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap, encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot of them come with various features. It's important to choose one that is suitable for the size of your pet, to allow them to move between the two without 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 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 which allow only registered cats to access and leave the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models have smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements as they walk through the door or window through an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial if you are concerned that your cat might wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and check on your pet's health via the app.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to enter and leave. This is especially useful for those with an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This option can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in when the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that occur inside the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain herbs such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them through it in case they are in a shaky state.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be fitted to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their website favourite food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time, but once you do you will be able to make it a habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap that detects your pet's microchip and lets here it to be inserted. They are more expensive, but they work by using magnets around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they stop stray cats from entering your property.
Other models have different locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. These are great for those who need to regulate the frequency at which your cat comes and goes particularly at night, or when you're not home. They may also be useful in situations where you're away from home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.
You can also choose a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This allows you to manage the entrance and exit of your cat easily. These aren't as easy upvc door panel with cat flap fitted to install as traditional cat flaps, but website they're more secure for your pet and provide more peace of mind. Some of these flaps also include video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it can take a while to get them used to the idea of being out on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new situation very quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and given time to learn to open the flap using their paws or head. Examining your cat from the inside and from the outside can help you decide what training methods to use. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Prop the flap open just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side, then call them through the flap, making sure your voice is positive and calm to make the training sessions easier for both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat begins to read more take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and take advantage of their newfound freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outdoors you can always lock them in at night or just leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires and give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that may occur in the home. They'll also have the security of knowing that they can always come back home if they want to.