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 have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let their pets out and then to change their mind and want to return later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It works by scanning the microchip of your cat to allow only authorized cats to enter and block access to other cats. There are a number of benefits to having a cat flap that are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them in and out at any time they wish. If they prefer, they can stay in at the night. This will reduce the possibility of being attacked by other cats or feral cats that might be out hunting late in the night. Many of these animals are carriers of diseases that can be fatal to your cat, and therefore keeping them inside at night will prevent them from catching them.
Cats are able to enter and exit through standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their homes as a territory, eat their food, or fight with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only cat to access the door and exit.
A microchip cat flap may even give you peace of mind when you're away, such as when you are away for the evening or on holiday. It's linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movement in and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. It is possible to share the app with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pet when you're 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 the ability to use it when their collar is within certain distance. It is important that you spend time educating your cat to use the flap particularly if they aren't used to it. Start by opening the flap to let them see and sniff the outside world. Holding out a favourite toy or a treat from either side of the flap, give your cat praise and a reward every time it pushes its head through. Once they're comfortable using the flap, you can slowly close it.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps that are available on the market. A lot of them come with various features. You should choose a cat-flap that's the proper size for your pet's needs so that it can enter and out without difficulty. Find a sturdy fabric that can withstand rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in various ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually with an appropriate peg that fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. Cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to install, making them perfect for homes with multiple pets.
One of the major advantages of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pets movement around the house, even when you are away from home. Some models come with intelligent technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements when you walk through the door or window by using an app on your smartphone.
This is beneficial when you're worried that your cat may wander away from website home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the area. You can monitor the health of your pet using the app and remotely lock their cat flap if they do get into trouble.
You can also choose a four way manual locking system that offers more options to control who can go in and out. This is particularly useful when you have a cat flap step naive cat or an older cat who might be unable to use a traditional flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby keeping other cats out. more info These systems are more expensive than standard cat flaps, but they are effective in keeping your neighbors' cats out of your home.
Convenience
Access to the outdoors without restrictions can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that happen within the home. Many cats are also enticed by the smell of certain plants like cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them through it in case they are hesitant.
If you have a tiny hinged panel that can be attached to a window or door it's easy to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the other side of the flap, and encouraging them to use it with their favorite food. It can be difficult to get your cat through the first time however once you've mastered it, it should become a habit.
Another option is to make use of magnetic cat flaps, that detects the microchip of your pet and allows it in. These are more expensive, but they work by using the magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. They are a great option for multi-cat households to prevent stray animals from entering the property.
Other models come with different locking options, allowing you to set it to open or closed, and even exit 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 when you're away. They can also be helpful in situations where you're away from home for long periods of time and need to ensure that your cat is safely indoors.
You can also opt for a cat-flap with a smart design that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled via an app. This allows you to control the access and exit of your cat easily. These cat flaps are more difficult to install than traditional cat flaps however they provide greater security and are safer for your pets. Some of these smart flaps even come with video monitoring and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Training
If you have a kitten or cat who has not used a cat flap before, it may take some time for them to get accustomed to the idea of going out on their own. Some cats are naturally curious, and can adjust to the new situation quickly. Others may require being gentle and encouragable, and will need time to master how to push the flap open by using a paw or a head. Observing them from the inside and out can help you determine the best methods to train them, but remember that all cats are unique.
Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the training sessions more enjoyable on both of you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap by noticing that it brings them closer to their reward on the opposite side of the flap.
When your cat begins to push the flap open by licking or shaking their head, you can start in introducing them to the outdoor environment and let them explore their new freedom. It's important to watch your cat to ensure that they are safe outside. Some cats could be vulnerable to the weather and other animals, like cats that live nearby.
If you are unsure whether your cat is in a position to handle the outdoors, you can keep them inside at night or leave the flap open so that they always have access to their litter box, puzzle feeders, and other toys. This allows you to make sure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but read more it also provides them with a means to more info escape any stressful situations around the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel comfortable knowing they can always return home if they choose to.