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 will recognise the feeling of getting up in the late at night to let their cats out, only for them to change their minds and want to return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. There are a number of advantages to using a cat flap. These are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to go and come whenever they please. They can be in their home at night if want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other cats who may be out hunting in the night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may catch if they are out at night.
Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for some pet owners, who don't want neighbours cats to annoy their pets, mark their home as territory, eat their food, or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only one to access the door and exit.
A microchip cat flap can even give you peace of mind when you are not home for instance, when you are out for the evening or out on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew to regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. You can also share your app access with family and friends to ensure that they monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by the ability to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. 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. 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 out a treat or favourite toy on either side of the flap. Then give them praise and rewards each time they do it. Once they're confident with the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. It is essential to select the right cat flap for the size of your pet, so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. You should also look for a hard-wearing material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to programme, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to monitor your pet's movements around the house even when you are away from home. Certain models come with smart technology that allows you to track the movements of your pets through the door or window through an app on your phone.
This is useful if you're concerned that your cat could wander off from your home or are worried about them having access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and monitor your pet's condition using the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you greater control over who can enter and leave. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that may struggle with a standard flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip, and let it in only if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, however they work well to keep your neighbors' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the world outside can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also reduce the number of toileting accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the scent of herbs such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even when they are still in a shaky state.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, which can be fitted to a window or door, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them to use it by offering their favourite food. It might be difficult to get your cat through the first time, but once you do it should become a habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap, which recognises your pet's microchip and lets it in. They are more expensive, however they work by putting an electronic device attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and give access to your home. These are a great solution click here for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models provide various locking options. You can choose to lock it open or closed, exit only, or entry only. They are helpful if you need to control when your cat comes and goes particularly at night or when you're away. They can also be helpful when you are away from your home for long periods of time and you need to here ensure that your cat stays safely indoors.
You can also select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone and controlled here by an app. This allows you to manage the entry and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide more peace of mind and are more secure for your pet. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to become accustomed to going out more info on their own in the event that they've never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new experience quickly. Others might require to be gently enthused and require time to master how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Examining them from both the inside and out can help you work out what methods you can use to train them but be aware that all cats are different.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to try to encourage them offering them treats. Place an item on the other side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the flap while maintaining an ebullient, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other end.
Once your cat starts to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can start introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them explore their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, such as neighboring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can handle the outside world, you could always put them in a cage at read more night or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This will allow you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It it also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also have the security of knowing that they will be able to return home if they want to.