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 but only to change their minds and want to return within minutes. A cat flap can solve this problem.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip to allow only authorized cats in and block access to other cats. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps can help keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out at any time they wish. If they choose to remain inside, they can do so at night. This reduces the chance of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that may be out hunting late in the late at night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat could contract if not kept in the dark.
Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats out and in - this is a big worry for some pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat door can keep out other cats by recognizing the unique microchip number of your cat and unlocking it only for your cat.
A microchip cat flap could provide security even when you're not home like when you go away for the evening or going on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that track your pet's movements inside and outside the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will control when you allow them to leave and enter. You can also share access to the app with family and friends to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar will add an extra layer of security to your cat's safety by only allowing them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is crucial to spend time training your cat to use the flap especially if they are not familiar with it. Begin by leaving the flap open to let them see and sniff around. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they're confident with the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are a myriad of cat flaps available with a variety of features. It is important to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet so that they can move in and out without any difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to secure your home and deter burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps which allow only registered cats to enter and exit the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are easy to set up, making them ideal for homes with multiple pets.
Microchip cat flaps are a great way to track your pet's movements within the home even if you're not around. Some models have smart technology that enables you to track your pets' movements through the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This is useful when you're worried that your cat might wander away from home, or you're worried about them having access to dangerous neighbourhood animals. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely open their cat flap if they do get into trouble.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system which offers more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful when your cat is a bit aggressive or older and more info may struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip and only let it in when the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These flaps more info can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective way to prevent your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Being able to access the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also help reduce the amount of accidents that occur in the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary Sage - these can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to use it even if they remain uneasy.
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 opposite side of the flap, and encouraging them through it by using their favourite food. It may be difficult to make them go through it the first time but when they've mastered it start, they should continue to follow the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to access. They're more expensive but they work by using the magnet around your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They are a great option for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to open or close, exit only, or entry only. This is useful if you want to control your cat's movements when they go out and comes back, especially if it's late at night or when you're not home. These can be useful when you're away from home for a prolonged time and want to make sure your cat is safe.
You can also opt for an intelligent cat-flap that's connected to your smartphone and controlled by an app. This allows you to manage the entrance and upvc door panel with cat flap fitted exit of your cat with more info ease. These aren't as easy to install as traditional cat flaps, however they are much more secure for your pet and offer more peace of mind. Some of these smart flaps even have video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
It can take time for a cat to get accustomed to going outside by itself even if they've not used a flap before. Depending on their nature, some cats are naturally curious and be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may require being gently enthused and require time to learn 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 which training methods to use. But remember that every cat is different.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, attempt to encourage them using treats. Prop the flap open just a bit (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice 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 and notice that it brings them closer to their reward on the other side get more info of the flap.
When your cat starts to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and have fun in their new freedom. It is important to watch your cat and make sure they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals like neighbouring cats.
If you're unsure if your cat can cope with the outdoors you can always lock them in at night or just leave the flap open to ensure that they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require. It also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.