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 know the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip to allow in only authorised cats and block access to other. A cat flap has a number of advantages, including:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to move around whenever they please. If they prefer stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats who may be hunting in the late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could contract if left outside at night.
Conventional cat flaps can also allow other cats out and in - this is a major concern for some pet owners who don't wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only one who can get in and out.
It can also provide peace of mind if you are away from home, for example when you are on vacation or go out at night. It's connected to an app and hub that track your pet's movement in and out of the house. You can also set a smart curfew to regulate when you can allow them to enter and leave. You can also share access to the app with friends and family to ensure that they monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by permitting them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. It is crucial to spend time educating your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by letting the flap open to let them see and sniff the outside world. By distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of the flap and praise and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they are confident you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market. They all have various features. It's important to choose the right cat flap for the size of your pet, so that they can move in and out without any difficulty. You should also search for a hard-wearing material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in various ways to secure your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps are easy to set up and easy to programme, making them perfect for homes with several cats.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they permit you to monitor your pet's movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that enables you to track your pet's' movements as they walk through the window or door through an app that you can download here on your phone.
This is a great option in case you're worried that your cat might wander too far from home, or you're concerned about their access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can remotely open the flap for your cat and monitor your pet's status through the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially useful for cats that are aggressive or older and may be unable to use a traditional flap. This option can be used to keep your pets from coming in when they are sick or it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan a pet's chip, and allow entry if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they work well to keep your neighbours' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat mentally and physically active. It can also reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even if they remain hesitant.
It's easy to teach your cat to make use of small hinged flaps that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through by using their preferred food. It may be difficult to teach your cat the first time, but once you do you will be able to make it a habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, that recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows it in. They're more expensive, but they click here function by using the magnetic device that is attached to your pet's collar to unlock the flap and grant it access to your home. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options. You can set it to open or close, exit only, or only for entrance. They are helpful for those who need to regulate the frequency at which your cat goes and comes particularly at night, or if you're not home. They are also useful in situations where you're away from home for extended periods of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.
You can also opt for a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated via an app, which means you can control your cat's entry and exit with ease. These are not as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're much more secure for your window cat flap pet and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these smart flaps also include video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the internet.
Training
It can take time for a cat's body to become accustomed to going outside by itself even if they've never used a flap before. Some cats are naturally curious, and will adapt to the new experience very quickly. Some cats will need to be gently pushed and taught to open the flap using their paws or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide which training methods to employ. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to force your cat through the flap, it's better click here to try to encourage them using treats. Prop the flap open just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place treats on the other side. Then, call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice positive and calm to make the training sessions more enjoyable for both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it leads them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat begins to open the flap with a lick or a head, you can begin introducing them to the outdoor world and let them enjoy their new freedom. But, it's crucial click here to keep an eye on your cat and ensure that they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals, such as the neighbouring cats.
If you're not sure if your cat will be in a position to handle the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open to ensure they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the exercise and enrichment it requires and provide them with a way to escape any stressful situations that might occur in the home. They will also be secure knowing that they are able to return home whenever they want to.