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 night to let their pets out and then to change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats and block access to other. The flap can provide a number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to move around whenever they like. They can be inside at night if they wish, which will reduce their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who may be out hunting during the late at night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may be exposed to if they are not kept in the dark.
Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This is a concern for pet owners who don't want their neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their homes as territory, eat their food, or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip code and only unlocking for your cat is the only one who can access the door and exit.
It can also give you peace of mind if you're away from home, like when you go on vacation or go out at night. It connects to a hub as well as an app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of the home and allows you to regulate the time they are allowed to come out and in via an intelligent curfew that you set. You can also share access to the app with friends and family to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat flap that has a magnetic or infrared collar key will add additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance from it. You should spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not used to using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can see the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of the flap and give your cat praise and a reward each time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market. A lot of them come with different features. It is important to select one that is the right size for your pet so that it can enter and out without difficulty. Look for a durable 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 secure your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or choose microchip cat flaps that permit only registered cats to access and leave the house. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to program, making them ideal for homes with several cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pets movements around the house even when you're away from home. Some models have smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window using an app on your smartphone.
This is a great option when you're worried that your cat could wander too far from home or are concerned about them having access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely open the cat flap and check your pet's health via the app.
You can also choose a four-way manual locking system which offers more options to decide who can go in and out. This is particularly useful for those with an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This is a great option to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or if it is raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow it to enter when the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great way to prevent your neighbour's cats read more getting into your house.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps to reduce the number of accidents that happen in the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of plants such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even if they remain hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be attached to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them through it by using their favorite food. It's not easy to make them go through it the first time, but once they do begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it in. They are more expensive, but work by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap and grant access to your home. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats as they stop stray cats from entering your property.
Other models have different locking options, allowing you to set it to open, closed, exit only or entry only. They can be helpful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and comes back, especially if it's late at night and you're not home. These can be useful if you are away from home for an extended period of time and want to be sure that your cat is secure.
You can also choose an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated 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, however they provide greater security and are safer for your pets. Some of these flaps also come with video monitoring get more info and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat's body to become used to being outdoors on its own, especially if they have never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new experience very quickly. Certain cats need to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or heads. Watching them from the inside and outside can help you work out what methods you can use to train them, but remember that all cats are unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place a treat on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the flap while using an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to utilize the flap since they will see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other end.
When your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them roam around the outside and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to monitor your click here cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Some cats could be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, like cats that live nearby.
If you're not sure more info if read more your cat can handle the outside world you can always keep them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can make sure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires however, you should also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that could occur in the home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll be able to return home if they choose to.