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 late at night to let their pets out and only to change their minds and want back inside minutes later. A cat flap can help 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. There are many advantages of having a flap for your cat that include:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to move around whenever they want. They can stay in their home at night if want, which reduces the risk of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that may be out hunting in the night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal to your cat, and so keeping them in at night will prevent them from getting sick.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats in and out - this is a big worry for pet owners who don't want neighbour's cats harassing their pets, marking their house as theirs, consuming their food or engaging in fights with them. 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 cat to get in and out.
It also gives you peace of mind when you are away from home, such as when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It connects to a hub and app that monitors your pet's movements inside and out of the house and allows you to regulate when they can come out and back in using a smart curfew feature that you can set. You can also share your app access with family members and friends so that they can monitor your pet while you are away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key can provide an additional layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance of it. It is essential to spend time teaching your cat to use the flap especially if they are not used to it - start by opening the flap so that they can view and smell the world around them. Encourage them to push their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap. You can praise and reward them every time they do it. Once they're confident with the flap, you can gradually close it.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market, with many offering different features. You should choose a cat-flap that is the right size for your pet so that it can be opened and exit easily. Choose a sturdy material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and easy to program, which makes them ideal for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movement in the house even when you're not present. Certain models come with smart technology, which allows you to monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window via an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial in the event that you are worried that your cat may wander off from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can check the status of your pet's health using the app and remotely lock their cat flap in case they get into any trouble.
You can also opt for a four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who can access and exit the door. This is particularly useful for those with an aggressive cat or an older cat that might be unable to use a traditional flap. This can be used to deter your pets coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners opt for flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry when it is registered, thus keeping other cats out. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping your neighbours' cats away from your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that happen inside the home. Many cats are also drawn to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint), catnip and clary sage. These can be placed either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be affixed to a door or window it's easy to teach your cat how to use it check here by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them to use it with their favourite food. It may be difficult to make them go through it the first time but once they do, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap can also be used. It recognises the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. They're more expensive however, they function by using a magnet on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They are a great option for households with multiple cats to stop stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with a variety of locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open shut, closed, exit only or entry only. These are great when you want to control the frequency at which your cat is in and out, especially at night or if you're not home. They are useful if you are away from home for a long time and want to make sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated by an app that means you can control your cat's access and exit easily. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps however they are much more secure for your pet and offer more security. Some of these cat flaps come upvc door panel replacement cat flap with video monitoring, and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to check here become comfortable with going outside by itself even if they've never used a flap before. Based on their individual nature, some cats are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Some cats will require to check here be gently encouraged and taught to open the flap with their paws or their heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside will help you decide which methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat is unique.
Instead of trying to make your cat go through the flap, try to encourage them offering them treats. Prop the flap open slightly (not enough to see the other side) and then place treats 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 of you and your cat. This will allow your cat to learn how to go through the flap and notice that it brings them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.
When your cat starts to take a lick or use their head to open it, you are able to let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are safe outdoors as certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals such as cats that are in the vicinity.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outdoor world you can always keep them inside at night or leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat gets the exercise and enrichment it needs, but you can also give them a chance to escape any stressful situations that click here might occur in the home. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll be able to return home should they wish to.