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 to let out their cats, only to have them change their minds and decide to return a few minutes later. A cat flap could solve this problem.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats and block access to other. A cat flap has a number benefits, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to come and go whenever they like. They can remain in their home at night if wish, which will reduce the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other felines that might be out hunting at night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal for your cat, and so keeping them in at night will prevent them from getting sick.
Cat flaps that are conventional can allow other cats inside and out. This is a major issue for pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door will keep other cats out by identifying the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could even provide peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you are going out for dinner or out on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements within and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew in order to control when you allow them to enter and leave. You can share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets while you are away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide a further layer of security by only allowing your cat to use the flap when their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is important to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't used to using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can 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. You can praise and reward them every when they do this. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market, with many offering different 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. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually with a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to access the home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, which makes them ideal for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not there. Some models come with smart technology that allows you to monitor your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window using an app on your phone.
This is useful if you're concerned that your cat may wander too far from home, or you're worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely lock the flap for your cat and check on your pet's status through the app.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that gives you more control over who can be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly helpful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat who may struggle with a standard flap. This is a great option to stop your pet from coming in when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, keeping other cats out. These flaps can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they're a good way to prevent here your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Having unrestricted access to the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of herbs such as cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to go through it even when they are still uneasy.
It's easy to teach your cat to use the small hinged flap that can be affixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through using their favorite food. It can be difficult to master the process the first time, but once they've done it start, they should continue to follow the habit.
Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, that recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it in. They're more expensive, but work by using a magnetic device on your pet's collar to unlock the flap, granting access to your home. These are a great choice for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. These can be useful when you want to regulate the time your cat is allowed to go out and comes back particularly late at night and you're not at home. They are also useful if you're away from your home for a long period of time and want to ensure your cat remains safe inside.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, which means you can manage your cat's entry and exit easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps, however they provide greater security and are more secure for your pets. Some of these cat flaps come with video monitoring and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.
Training
If you have a cat or kitten who has never used a cat flap it could take a while to get them used to the idea of being outside on their own. Based on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and adapt to the new environment quickly. Others may require being gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn how to here push the flap open with a paw or head. Watching your upvc door panel with cat flap fitted cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to use. But remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling at your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them with 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 speaking in an upbeat, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap because they will be able to see that it brings them closer to the reward on the other end.
When your cat begins to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoor world and let them experience their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure that they are secure outside. Some cats may be susceptible to weather conditions and other animals, including neighboring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat can cope with the outside world it is possible to lock them in at night or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You check here can make sure that your more info cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it needs, but you can also give them a way to escape any stressful situations that might arise in your home. They will also be secure knowing that they will be able to return home whenever they wish to.