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 pets out and only to change their minds and want to go back in a few minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats to enter and restrict access to all other cats. A cat flap offers number benefits, including:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out as they please. They can be inside at night if they prefer, which reduces the risk of being attacked by feral cats or other felines that might be out hunting in the night. Many of these animals have diseases that could prove fatal for your cat so keeping them inside at night will keep them from getting sick.
Conventional cat flaps can also let 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 getting into fights with them. A microchip-encoded cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only one who can get in and out.
A microchip cat flap may even give you peace of mind even when you're not home like when you are out for the evening or going on holiday. It's connected to an app and hub that track your pet's movement in and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to regulate when you can allow them to leave and enter. You can also share the app access with family members and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away.
A cat-flap that has a microchip and a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an extra layer of protection to your cat's safety by only the ability to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is essential to spend time educating your cat to use the flap especially if they're not familiar with it. Begin by leaving the flap open so that they can see and sniff around. Holding out a favourite toy or food item from either side of flap, encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they are confident using the flap, gradually close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps available on the market. Many of them offer various features. It is important to select one that is the proper size for your pet so that it can be opened and exit easily. Look for a durable material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps are lockable in various ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to program, making them ideal for homes with multiple cats.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movements inside the house, even if you're not present. Some models have smart technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements when you walk through the window or door using an app on your phone.
This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat could wander off from your home or are concerned about their access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely unlock the flap on your cat's door and check 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 is able to enter and leave. This is particularly helpful if you have an aggressive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Other 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 cat flaps but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also reduce the number read more of toileting accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of herbs such as cat thyme or catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to go through it even if they remain uneasy.
It's simple to teach your cat how to make use of small hinged flaps that can be affixed to a door or window. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go here through with their favorite food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, it should become a habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap that detects your pet's microchip and allows it in. They're more expensive, but they function by using an electronic device attached to the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and give it access to your home. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop stray animals from entering the property.
Other models offer various locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open, exit only, or entrance only. They can be helpful for those who want to control when your cat goes out and comes back especially late at night or you're not click here home. They can be helpful when you're away from home for an extended time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also choose a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is controlled by an app, which means you can control your cat's entry and exit without difficulty. These cat flaps website are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater peace of mind and are more secure for your pets. Some of these cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location connected to the Internet.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it can take a while for them to get accustomed to the idea of being out on their own. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new experience very quickly. Certain cats need to be gently urged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Examining your cat from the inside and from the outside can help you decide what training methods to use. However, remember that every cat is different.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, you should try to encourage them with treats. Open the flap just a bit (not enough to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Call them through the flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the training sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it leads them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore read more the outdoors and take advantage of their newfound freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals like cats in the area.
If you're unsure whether your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can either lock them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and other toys. This lets you ensure that they get all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they can always come back home if they wish to.