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 to let out their cats and then to change their minds and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.

It works by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats and deny others access. A cat flap offers number benefits, including:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by allowing it to come and go whenever they like. If they want to, they can stay in at night. This will decrease the possibility of being attacked by other cats or wild cats that might be hunting in the late at night. Many of these animals carry diseases that could prove fatal for your cat, so keeping them inside at night will stop them from being bitten by them.

Conventional cat flaps also allow other cats out and in - this is a major issue for some pet owners who don't want their neighbors' cats to harass their pets, marking their home as their territory, eating their food, or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip code and unlocking only for that, meaning your cat is the only one to access the door and exit.

It also gives you peace of mind if you're away from home, like when you go to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It's connected to an app and hub that monitors your pet's movement in and out of the house. You can also create a smart curfew that will restrict when they are allowed to enter and leave. You can also share access to the app with family and friends so that they can monitor your pets whilst you are away.

A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will provide an additional layer of security by allowing your cat to use the flap only when 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're not used to it. Start by opening the flap so that they can view and smell the world around them. Encourage them to put their head through the hole by holding out a treat or favorite toy from either side of the flap. You can give them praise and rewards each time they do it. Once they are confident using the flap, slowly close it.

Safety

There are numerous cat flaps on the market. Many of them offer different features. It's important to choose one that is suitable for the size of your pet, to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.

Certain cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and prevent burglars from entering. You can lock them manually using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that only allow registered cats to enter your home. Cat flaps are easy to set up and simple to program, which makes them perfect for homes with multiple cats.

The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pet's movement around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets through the window or door through an app on your smartphone.

This can be useful in case you're worried that your cat may wander off from your home or you're concerned about their access to animals that could be dangerous in the neighbourhood. You can remotely lock the cat flap and check here monitor your pet's status through the app.

You can also opt for a four way manual locking system, which gives you more options to control who can enter and exit the room. This is especially useful when you have a naive cat or an older cat that might struggle with a traditional flap. This can also be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they're sick or it's raining outside.

Other pet owners choose flaps that read a pet's microchip and only allow entry if it is registered, thereby blocking other cats. These systems are more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.

Convenience

Being able to access the outside world can keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. It can also to reduce the number of accidents that take place within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted to the scents of plants like cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. They can be put either the side of the flap in case they are still unsure.

If you have a small hinged panel that can be affixed to a door or window, it's simple enough to teach your cat to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them to use it by offering their favorite food. It may be difficult to teach your cat the first time however once you've mastered it, the practice will become habitual.

A magnetic cat flap could also be utilized. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it to enter. They're more expensive however, they function by using magnets on your pet's neck to open the flap. These are a good option for families with multiple cats to keep pets that are stray from entering the property.

Other models have different locking options more info which allow you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. This is useful for those who want to control your cat's movements when they go out and returns especially late at get more info night and you're not at home. They are useful when you're away from home for a prolonged time and you want to make sure your cat is safe.

You can also select a smart cat-flap that is connected to your smartphone, and controlled by an app. This lets you click here manage the entrance and exit of your cat in a matter of minutes. 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 smart cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet.

Training

If you have a cat or kitten who has not used a cat flap before, it may take some time to get them used to the idea of going out on their own. Based on their individual personality, some are naturally curious and adjust to the new experience quickly. Some cats will require to be gently encouraged and allowed time to master to open the flap with their paws or heads. Observing your cat from both the inside and the outside can help you decide what training methods to employ. But remember that every cat is different.

Instead of yelling your cat to open the flap, try to encourage them by giving them treats. Place an item on the other side of the get more info flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then prop the flap open. Call your cat through the cat flap while using an ebullient, calm voice. This will aid your cat in learning to use the flap as they will see that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other end.

When your cat begins to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them roam around the outside and enjoy their newfound freedom. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since some cats can be vulnerable to the elements and other animals such as cats in the area.

If you are unsure if your cat will be capable of surviving the outdoors, you can either lock your cat 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 ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment they require, but it also provides them with a means of escape from any stressful situations in the house, such as when you're cooking or cleaning. They'll also feel secure knowing they'll be able to return home should they wish to.