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 waking in the middle of the night by a call to let their pets out and then to change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this problem.
It operates by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing access to only authorized cats and deny others access. A cat flap offers variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of Mind
Cat flaps help keep your cat safe and secure by allowing it to go and come 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 who may be hunting in the late at night. These animals can carry deadly illnesses that your cat may contract if not kept in the dark.
Conventional cat flaps also let other cats in and out - this is a major concern for pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their homes as their own, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, meaning your cat is the only cat to be able to enter and exit.
It also gives you peace of mind when you are away from home, such as when you go on vacation or out at night. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements within and outside the house. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can also share your app access with friends and family to ensure that they keep an eye on your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat-flap with a magnetic collar key or infrared collar can add an additional layer of security to your cat's safety by only permitting them to use it if their collar is within a certain distance. It is important to spend time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially important if it's not used to using one. Start by leaving the flap open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing the treat or their favorite toy on either side of the flap and praise and reward them every when they do this. Once they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. It is essential to select one that is suitable for the size of your pet, so that they can easily move between the two without difficulty. Also, you should look for a hard-wearing material that is able to withstand paws, claws, and rain.
Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually with the peg that fits inside the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. The cat flaps are simple to set up and simple to programme, making them ideal for homes with several cats.
Microchip cat flaps are an excellent way to track your pet's movements in the house even when you're not there. Certain models come with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the window or door through an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial if you are concerned that your cat may wander too far away from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighbourhood. You can check the status of your pet using the app and remotely open their cat flap in case they do get into trouble.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who can access and exit the door. This is especially useful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that may struggle with a standard flap. This option can be used to deter your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.
Certain pet owners choose to use flaps that scan a pet's chip and only let it in if the pet is registered. This is to keep out other cats. These systems are more expensive than regular cat flaps, however they can be effective in keeping the cats of your neighbors away from your house.
Convenience
Access to the outside world can keep your cat physically and mentally engaged. It can also reduce the amount of accidents that occur inside the home. Many cats also feel enticed by the scent of plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage - these can be read more placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even when they are still uneasy.
If you have a tiny hinged panel, read more which can be affixed to a door or window it's easy enough 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 get them through the first time, but once they've done it begin, they will be able to adopt the habit.
Another alternative is to opt for a magnetic cat flap, that recognizes your pet's microchip and allows it in. They're more expensive however, they function by using magnets on your pet's neck to unlock the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats as they keep out stray cats out of the home.
Other models provide different locking options. You can set it to open or closed, exit only, get more info or only for entrance. This is useful when you want to regulate your cat's movements when they go out and returns particularly late at night and you're not at home. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from your home for a long period of time and you need to ensure that your cat stays in a safe place.
You can also opt for a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and is operated via an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit with ease. These flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide more peace of mind and are safer for your pets. Some of these flaps also include video monitoring and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat's body to become comfortable with going outside by itself even if they've not used a flap before. Based on their nature, upvc door panel with cat flap some cats are naturally curious and will be able to adjust to the new situation quickly. Others might require to be gentle and encouragable, and will need time to learn to open the flap using a paw or head. Watching them from the inside and outside can help you work out what methods you can use to train them but be aware that every cat is unique.
Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not enough to see it) and then prop the flap open. Your cat should be called through the flap, while speaking in an ebullient, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap because they will be able to see the way it gets them closer to the reward at the other side.
When your cat begins to lick the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them roam around the outside and take advantage of their newfound freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure that they are secure outdoors, as certain cats are susceptible to the elements as well as other animals such as cats in the area.
If you're not sure if your cat can cope with the outdoors it is possible to keep them inside at night, or leave the flap unlocked to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. You can ensure that your cat is getting the enrichment and exercise that it requires, but you can also provide them with a way to escape any website stressful situations that might occur in the home. You'll also feel safe knowing that they can always return home if they want to.