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 are familiar with the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out but only to change their minds and want to return a few minutes later. A cat flap solves this issue.
It is operated by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats and deny others access. The flap can provide a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by permitting it to move around whenever they please. If they choose to remain inside, they can do so at the night. This will decrease the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be out hunting late in the late at night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could catch if they are out at night.
Cats can get in and out through conventional cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, mark their house as territory or eat their food or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only cat to access the door and exit.
A microchip cat flap can even provide peace of mind when you are not home like when you go out for the evening or on holiday. It connects to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements in and out of the home and allows you to regulate when they are allowed out and in via the smart curfew feature you can set. You can also share the app access with friends and family so that they can keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat-flap fitted with magnetic collar keys or an infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it if their collar is within certain distance. You should spend some time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if it's not familiar with using one. Begin by leaving the flap open so they can see the outside world and smell it. Holding out a favourite toy or a treat from either side of the flap and give your cat praise and a reward every time it pushes its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market. Many of them offer various features. You should choose one that is the proper size for your pet, so that it can enter and exit easily. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in a variety of ways to protect your home and keep burglars out. You can lock them manually by using an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are easy to install, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movement inside the house, even if you're not there. Some models have intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements through the window or door using an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat could wander too far away from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can remotely unlock the flap for your cat and check your pet's health via the app.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system which offers more options to decide who can enter and exit the room. This is particularly useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This method can be used to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners opt for flaps that scan the pet's chip, and allow it to enter only if the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than normal cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your house.
Convenience
Unrestricted access to the outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. It can also reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the scent of plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to help encourage them to use it even when they are still hesitant.
If you have a small hinged panel that can be affixed to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap and guiding them through it by using their favourite food. It's not easy to master the process the first time, but once they've done it begin, they check here will be able to adopt the habit.
Another option is to use a magnetic cat flap, that recognizes your pet's microchip and lets it to be inserted. They are more expensive, however, they function by using the magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the get more info flap. These are a great solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the property.
Other models offer various locking options. You can set it to either closed or open, more info exit only, or entrance only. These are useful if you need to control the time your cat is in and out particularly at night or when you're away. They are useful in situations where you're away from home for a long time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and is operated via an app, that means you can control your cat's access and exit without difficulty. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps but they offer greater peace of mind and are more secure for your click here pet. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to get accustomed to going out on their own even if they've never used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adjust to the new environment quickly. Others may require being gentle and encouragable, and will need time to master how to push the flap open with a paw or head. Watching your cat from both the inside and from the outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. Remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to go through the flap, try www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk to encourage them by giving them treats. Open the flap a little (not enough to see the other side) and then place a treat on the other side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is steady and positive to make the learning sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn to navigate the flap, noticing that it leads them closer to the reward on the opposite side of the flap.
Once your cat begins to take a lick or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and take advantage of their newfound freedom. It is important to watch your cat and make sure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are vulnerable to the elements and other animals, such as the cats in the area.
If you are unsure if your cat will be capable of surviving 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. This allows you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation they require. It also provides them with a means to escape any stressful situation in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they can always return home should they wish to.