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Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Door
So now you’re clear on why you might need a cat door, or you’ve even already got your cat door(s) installed. Now, how to make sure that your cat is comfortable using this door and actually starts going in and out of it? Cats are not known for being trainable the way dogs are, but — fortunately — you don’t have to teach your cat any tricks to get them to use their cat door.
When you first install the cat door, pick up your cat and deposit it in front of the flap. Then lift the door flap so the cat can clearly see that it’s an open doorway to the outside. If the cat is unsure, you can lure it through the cat door with treats, or simply put yourself on the other side of the door and coax the cat to come to you through it (reward it with cuddling or petting...
read moreCat Doors? What For?
So you’ve heard of dog doors, and they make sense. Dogs are both indoor and outdoor creatures, and need to go outside to do their business, anyway, so having a dog door seems perfectly logical. Cats, on the other hand, are often largely indoor animals, so why would you want or need to get a cat door? And how is a cat door different from a small dog door?
There’s actually very little difference between a cat door and a small dog door, which is why they are both considered and sometimes categorized as small pet doors. A cat door will likely be made of material that resists scratching, though, as a major difference between cats and dogs is that cats are typically much more likely to use their...
read moreReasons Why You Need a Dog Door
One of the toughest parts about being a dog owner is trying to figure out how to take care of them on a daily basis while still maintaining a normal life. Dogs are great companions and are not too much trouble, but they do still need to go outside every once and a while for exercise and to relieve themselves. Dog doors offer the perfect option for busy people looking for a way to keep their pets happy while their owners are away. Here are a few reasons why a dog door may be the perfect addition to your home.
Lower Stress for You and Your Dog
If your dog is not able to go outside for an extended period of time, he or she may become frustrated and act out. This can result in damaged furniture and flooring, accidents and all sorts of other behavior that is no...
read moreThree Factors to Consider When Installing a Pet Door
Installing a pet door in your home is a helpful step in convenience for your pets as well as for you. When pets can go in and out of their own accord, your life will be more peaceful, and your beloved pets will not be stressed out. So what do you need to know when looking for a pet door? Here are three considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, the size of your pet. This may seem fairly obvious, as you clearly want a door that’s big enough to fit your pet through easily rather than forcing it to squeeze. But bear in mind that pets do grow, and may put on weight even after attaining full adult size! If you mistakenly install a pet door for your puppies that won’t accommodate them at...
read moreWhy Fighto Needs a Dog Door
Do you run home each day at lunch to let your dog out to do his or her business? If so, you likely understand how much of a commitment being a dog owner can be. While you love your dog, you may be a little frustrated at how often you have to let them out while you are at work, or even out of town.
Dog Doors Give You & Your Dog Independence and Freedom
With pet doors, you no longer have to run home every few hours to let your dog out. With a pet door, your animal is able to go as they please while you are away. These doors are generally easy to install and can give both you and your pet increased independence.
What Type of Door Do You Need?
The...
read moreTrain Your Dog for a Magnetic Dog Door
Many dog doors work by using a magnetic flap. The dog can push through the flap, and after it does, the flap’s magnet reattaches to the bottom of the doorframe. But some dogs are initially frightened of the magnetic flaps, either because of the clicking noise made by some magnets, or because pushing through the flap makes the dog feel covered or trapped. Here are a few steps you can take to help train a skittish dog to use the magnetic dog door comfortably.
First, remove the flap entirely or tape it out of the way. Using dog treats or other snacks your dog loves, call the dog to you through the open dog door. Once the dog comes through, give it the treat and play with it for a while before putting it back outside and repeating the process. Once the dog is comfortable doing...
read moreBasic 101 on Doggy Doors
Doggy doors provide many advantages to both the animal and the owner. Dogs have ample access to the outdoors, and owners do not have to trouble themselves with the need to constantly let the pooch in and out. This can be very helpful for elderly pet owners, or those with disabilities or other physical limitations. Before installing the door, get familiar with the types of doors available and how they work.
Doors for pets come in a variety of materials, to suit a variety of installation options: glass, screens, timber doors and metal panels. Some pet doors are electronic and can be set to permit entry or exit by only certain pets. Some doors are transparent, giving the animal the ability to see outside or inside.
The needs of both the pet and the pet owner should be...
read moreAdvantages of Having a Dog Door
Having a dog door installed may seem unnecessary to some people, but there are some distinct advantages of using one in your home. Any dog lover knows how important it is that the animal has frequent access to the outdoors. Not only is it beneficial to meeting the animal’s need to relieve itself; it helps to make a healthier, happier pet.
Giving a pet access to the outdoors relieves the owner from the need to constantly get up and let the animal in and out. Dogs can go outside when they want or need to, and then return on their own. If the pet frequently spends a lot of time outside, the pet access can allow the animal to come inside on cold or rainy nights without disturbing the...
read moreKeep an Aging Cat Happy
As your cat gets older, he or she may develop some health problems that make it hard for them to get around. They also might have problems with bladder control. Your pet still wants his or her dignity, so it’s important to address these issues in a way that allows your cat to have his or her freedom, while keeping health issues in mind. A cat flap and a cozy place to rest may be just what your cat needs.
When cats are young, they love to climb up and look out the window. As they age, arthritis sets in and makes it hard to climb up to windows and other areas where they might nap in the sun. If at all possible, create a safe area for your cat near a patio door where no climbing is needed in order to get in a comfy spot.
Avoid Jealousy between Children and Pets
Children and pets usually end up being best buddies but, like siblings, pets sometimes experience jealousy with children at first. This is especially true if the pet is a long-time family member. Simple things like pet doors can make all the difference between a happy pet and a jealous one.
When your child is first born, your pet is bound to be a bit curious. Introduce them while calmly talking to your pet and stroking their fur. Pets don’t like to have surprises thrust on them any more than anyone else, and this particular surprise might come with boundaries they aren’t used to.
If you don’t have one already, now is the time to install a pet door. You’re going to be busy with the baby, so you don’t necessarily want to keep letting your pet...
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