How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

To encourage your cat to use the flap, begin by playing and feeding near to it. This will help them become familiar with the sound of it opening and closing. It can also help when you add your cat's scent to the flap. Next you should open the flap slightly to give your cat the impression of movement. Try luring them to come through by offering them their favorite treats or toys. Some plants (such a cat germander, valerian, clarysage, and clary sage) are attractive scents that many cats enjoy. Installing the flap for cats A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever it wants without you needing to open a window or door. This can save you time and effort and also reduce the likelihood of your cat being involved in things that it shouldn't be. Cat flaps can be fitted on windows, doors and walls. They are simple to install even for those who aren't experts in DIY. To put a flap on a cat first determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor. Then, mark this measurement on the door that you would like to put it in. It is crucial to measure this height, as different cats have different belly heights. The ideal opening of the flap for cats must be at least 10cm higher than the height of your cat's belly. Next, you need to drill the holes for the screws. You can use the paper template that is included in many kits to ensure that your holes are in their correct position. It is also a good idea to use circular holes, rather than a square one, as this reduces the possibility of the glass breaking later. Once the holes are drilled, you will be able to attach the cat flap. You will need to be sure to align the edges of the cat flap with the door's edge. After the cat flap is installed it is recommended to seal the inside of the front door and the back flap. This will guard the flap from water damage and will also stop cold drafts. There are many kinds of cat flaps, each having their own advantages and disadvantages. Some are more expensive but they all should be simple to use by your cat. If you wish to restrict access to certain people, consider installing a secure cat flap that requires an RFID chip or microchip to be activated. Another option is to install a magnetic cat flap, that can be activated by magnets. This is more expensive than other options, however it is more secure and less likely to be caused by stray cats. Teach your cat how to use the flap The cat flap opens an entirely new world to your pet. It gives your cat more autonomy and control over their foraging and bathroom visits. It's important to keep trying to get your cat to use their new door. Use the tips below to help your cat learn to use their new flap, and you'll have a cat that enjoys its freedom! Firstly, it's important to introduce your cat to the sound of the flap opening and closing. If your cat is afraid of this noise, it may be reluctant to go through the opening in any way. Practice it a few times per day, and offer your cat treats each time they pass through the opening. Once your cat is used to the noise, it's time to teach them how to walk through the flap. Start by placing food treats just inside the flap opening and then encouraging your cat with their head or paw to walk through. You could also try dragging a toy tied to a piece of string through the opening, or even just holding your hand through the flap to catch the attention of your cat. As your cat gets more confident going through the opening You can lower the flap to ensure that it covers a smaller part of the opening. This will stimulate your cat to push against the flap with their paw or head to open it. Some cats prefer doing this using their paws while others prefer to push the flap with their heads. Close the flap for your cat and wait for your pet to come through and reward them if they make it through. Repeat this daily for about a week, and your cat should be comfortable walking through the flap while it is closed. It is important to note that you shouldn't oblige your cat to use the cat flap since it can cause stress for them and cause anxiety. Some cats will get used to using the cat flap on their own, while others may require some encouragement and patience. How to get your cat to use the flap for cats? It could take a while for your cat to become comfortable with the flap. It is recommended to teach your cat to make small steps that will increase their confidence and allow them to become comfortable with the idea of going in and out through the flap. A good technique is positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding your cat with treats or toys when they are near the flap. This is a highly recommended method for cat training as it promotes positive behavior. Begin by luring them to the flap using their favourite toys or food. This will get your cat interested in exploring and going through the flap. Once your cat is confident approaching the flap, start to move the treats or toys closer to the opening until they are within the reach of their paws. Continue to praise them for navigating through and gradually lower the flap so that your cat will only use their head. Some cats are unable to make the transition from a fully-open flap to a closed one difficult, so you could aid them by putting an object like a binder or clothes clip on the flap so that it does not close completely, but remains open. You can then lure them through by holding treats on the opposite side of the flap opening and calling their name. Once your cat is used to entering and leaving through the flap you can remove the clip, peg or other device and let them play with it with their paws or their heads. After a few days, reward them for stepping in and out through the flap. Then, you can prop the flap up slightly and lure them in with treats from the other side. Continue this training for a few days and your cat will soon be able to use the flap by themselves. If your cat doesn't use the flap after a while it's likely they aren't satisfied with it or it has become inconvenient for them. You may need to relocate the flap to a different place or adjust its sensitivity, or you might even have to replace it entirely. Fixing the cat flap Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back to the home without needing to open the front door or get up. This lets your pet leave the house whenever they want, not only when you are available. They won't be begging to go for a walk or yelling in the night to let them go. The installation of a cat flap onto your door isn't as difficult as it may seem, and it's fairly easy if you follow the instructions included in the kit you've purchased. After you've cut the area using the aid of a jigsaw, apply decorators caulk to seal the joint. It's also a good idea to paint the timber sections that aren't bare inside the cutout with a stain for wood to prevent them from taking in water and creating decay. When you're sure that the flap is placed properly and that there aren't any gaps, it's time for you to mark the areas on your door where the screws are to be put in. This is, in fact, pretty self-explanatory and should be stated clearly in the instructions for your particular cat flap. The final step is to secure the flap of cat to secure it. This is a pretty easy procedure and should be easy for anyone who's attempted it before. The only issue is when fixing into an UPVC or glass door as these doors tend to have varying thicknesses. This can cause issues when fixing the cat flap to them. With a bit of patience, your cat will soon be able to use the flap to enjoy the benefits it offers. back door with cat flap fitted will be more relaxed and healthier if they can let themselves inside and out on their own, instead of needing to beg you to let them in.