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 have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out but only to 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 to allow access to only authorized cats, and denying access to others. The flap can provide a number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them in and out whenever they want. They can remain inside at night if they want, which reduces the chance of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that might be out hunting during the late at night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if left outside at night.
Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats in and out - this is a major concern for some pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their home as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for your cat is the only one to access the door and exit.
It also gives you peace of mind if you are away from home, like when you are on vacation or go out at night. It connects to a hub as well as an app that tracks your pet's movements into and out of the home and lets you control when they are allowed out and in via the smart curfew feature you can set. You can share the app with family and friends so they can keep track of your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key will add additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap, especially if they are not used to it - start by letting the flap open so that they can see and sniff the outside world. Encourage them to put 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 when they do this. Once they're comfortable using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. It is important to select a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet's needs so it can be able to enter and out without difficulty. Also, you should look for a durable material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to help secure your home and stop burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually using a peg that fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Some models have intelligent technology that allows you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window by using an app on your phone.
This is beneficial if you are concerned that your cat may wander off from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely lock their cat flap in case they are in trouble.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism that gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is particularly useful for those with an aggressive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This option can be used to deter your pets from entering your home when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip and only let it in if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, however they are a great way to keep your neighbour's cats getting into your house.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain plants here such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to use it even if they remain website hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be attached to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them to use it with their favourite food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, the practice will become habitual.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and lets it to enter. They are more expensive, but they function by using an electronic device attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap, granting it access to your home. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop unwanted animals from entering your property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entry only. These can be useful for those who want to control when your cat goes out and returns particularly late at night and you're not home. They are useful in situations where you're away from home for an extended time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also select a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to click here your smartphone, and more info controlled via an app. This lets you manage the entrance and exit of your cat with ease. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and provide greater security. Some of these smart flaps include video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
It can take time for a cat to get accustomed to going outdoors on its own, especially in the event that they've not used a flap before. Based on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and taught to open the flap using their paws or heads. Examining them from both the outside and inside will help you figure out what methods to use to train them but be aware that all cats are different.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, you should instead try and encourage them by using treats. The flap should be opened a little (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place a treat on the other side, then call them through the cat flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions more enjoyable for both of you and your cat. This will aid your more info cat in learning to use the flap because they will realize that it helps them get closer to the reward on the other end.
Once your cat is beginning to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start introduction to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like cats in the area.
If you are unsure whether your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can lock them inside at night, or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. This will allow you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations around the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they can always return home if they choose to.