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 can relate to the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their pets out but only to change their minds and want to return within minutes. A cat flap can help solve this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. A cat flap offers number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing them to go in and out as they please. They can be in the dark if they wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that may be out hunting at late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are not kept in the dark.
Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their home as a territory or eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by reading 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 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 house. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can also share your app access with friends and family so that they can monitor your pet while you are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collars will provide an additional layer of security to your cat's security by only permitting them to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so that they can observe the outside world and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of the flap you can encourage and reward your cat every time it pushes its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available with a variety of features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the appropriate size for your pet, so that it can enter and out easily. Also, you should look for a durable material that can withstand paws claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in various ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and easy to program, making them ideal for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to monitor your pet's movements in the house even when you're not around. Some models have smart technology that allows you to track your pets' movements through the windows or doors using an app on your phone.
This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat may wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely here lock the cat flap and check your pet's status through the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking mechanism, which gives you more control over who can enter and leave. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can also be used to prevent website your pets from entering your home when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip, and allow entry only if the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors out of your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. website It can also reduce the amount of accidents that take place within the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the scent of plants like cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to use it even if they remain in a shaky state.
It's easy to teach your cat how to utilize small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats at the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through by using their preferred food. It may be difficult to get them through the first time, but once they've done it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. They're more expensive, but they function by using the magnetic device that is attached to the collar of your pet to open the flap, granting access to your home. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent stray animals from entering the property.
Other models have different locking options which allow you to set it to open or closed, and even exit or entry only. They are helpful for those who need to regulate the time your cat comes and goes particularly at night or when you're not home. They are also useful if you're away from home for long periods of time and you need to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entry and exit easily. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these smart flaps come with video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it could take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of going outside on their own. Depending on their personality, some are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will require to be gently pushed and allowed time to master to open the flap using their paws or head. Examining them from both the outside and inside can help you work out the best methods to train them however, remember that all cats are unique.
Instead of trying to push your cat through the flap, it's better to attempt to encourage them fitting a cat flap in a upvc door giving them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not so much that it is visible to it) and then prop the flap open. Make your cat a call through the cat flap while maintaining a calm, positive voice. This will allow your cat to learn website to navigate the flap and notice that it brings them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat starts to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. But, it's crucial to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like neighbouring cats.
If you are unsure whether your cat is able to cope with the outdoors, you can lock your cat inside at night or leave the flap open so they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and toys. You can make sure that your cat gets the exercise and stimulation it needs and provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that may arise in the home. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll be able to return home if they want to.