To encourage your cat to use the flap, begin by playing with it and feeding near it. This will aid them in becoming familiar with the sound it makes when it opens and closes. It can also help if you apply your cat's scent to the flap.
Next, open the flap a bit to give your cat a sense of movement. Try to lure them in by grabbing their favorite food or a toy. Some plants (such a cat germander, valerian, clarysage, and clary sage) are enticing in scent that cats are known to love.
Installing the cat flap
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as it pleases without opening the door or window. This will save you time and energy and reduce the likelihood of your cat getting into things that it shouldn't be. Cat flaps can be installed in windows, doors and walls. They are easy to install, even for those who aren't experts in DIY.
To install a cat flap on the door to measure the height of the belly of your cat from the floor. Note this measurement. It is important to use this measurement, because different cats have different heights of their belly. The ideal opening of the cat flap should be at least 10cm higher than your cat's belly height.
The next step is to drill holes for the screws. You can use the template included in most kits to ensure your holes are in the correct place. Use a circular instead of a square hole to reduce the chance of glass breaking later.
After the holes have been made, you are now able to begin to fit the cat flap. It is important to be sure to align the edges of the cat flap with the edge of the door. Once the cat flap is installed, it's a good idea for you to seal the inside of the front door and the back flap. This will protect the flap from water damage and prevent cold drafts.
There are many kinds of cat flaps, each having distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some are more expensive than others, however they should all be easy for your cat to use. Install a flap for your cat that is secured and requires an RFID tag or microchip tag to open.
Another option is to install a cat flap that is magnetic, which is activated using magnets. This option is more costly, but it is more secure and is less likely to be activated by a wandering cat.
Teach your cat to use the flap
The cat flap can open up a whole new world for your pet. It gives your cat more autonomy and control over their food choices and bathroom visits. It can take time to teach your cat to use the new door, but perseverance will pay dividends. Follow these steps to help your cat learn to use their new flap, and you'll soon have a happy cat who is awed by the freedom it offers!
It is essential that your cat gets used to the sound the flap makes when it is closed and opened. If your cat is scared of this sound, they might be hesitant to go through the opening in any way. Try it out a few times during the day, and reward your cat a treat each time they go through the opening.
Once your cat is accustomed to the noise, it's now time to teach them how to go through the flap. Begin by placing a tasty snack inside the flap's opening and encourage your cat to walk through it using their head or paw. You could also play with a toy that is tied to a string through the opening or even just holding your hands through the flap to attract the attention of your cat.
As your cat gets more confident as they gain confidence, you can lower the flap to ensure that only a tiny portion of the opening is left. This will help your pet to push the flap open using their head or paw. Some cats prefer to use their paws to open the flap, while others prefer to use their heads.
You should then close the cat flap and wait for your cat to walk through it and then give them a treat in the event that they do. Repeat this daily for about an entire week and your cat will then be allowed to walk through the flap even though it is closed.
It's important to keep in mind that you should not force your cat to using the flap. This can lead to stress and anxiety. Certain cats will naturally become comfortable using the flap, while others will require more encouragement and patience to reach that point.
How to get your cat use the cat flap
It could take a while for your cat to become familiar with the cat flap. It is recommended to teach your pet to use the flap gradually. This will help build their confidence, and they'll become more comfortable with the idea. A good technique is positive reinforcement. This 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.
Start by luring them to the flap using their favorite toys or food. This will get your cat attracted to exploring and moving through the flap. Once your cat is comfortable walking towards the flap then move the toys or treats closer to the opening until they are within reach of your paws. Keep praising the cat for making it through, and gradually lower the flap so that your cat can only use their head.
You can help certain cats transition from an open flap to a closed flap by placing a clothes peg on the cat flap. This will keep it slightly open, but not completely. You can then entice the cat in by placing the treat at the other side of the flap and calling their names.
Once your cat is comfortable with entering and exiting through the flap, remove the peg, clip or other device and let them play with it with their paws or heads. After a few days, reward the cat for going in and out through the cat flap. Then start to prop the flap slightly open and lure them in with a treat from the other side. Keep this up for a couple of days and your cat will soon be able to use the flap on their own. If your cat doesn't utilize the flap after a certain amount of time, it is likely that they aren't happy with it or that it's become uncomfortable for them. You may need to move the flap to another location or adjust its the sensitivity, or even need to replace it completely.
Fixing the cat flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go from the house without having to open the front door or get up. This allows them to leave whenever they want to, not just when you're available and means that they won't be begging you for a walk around the block or yelling in the middle of the night if they need to leave.
It's not as difficult as it seems to install a cat flap on your door. Follow the directions included with the kit. After you've marked the door's area and used a jigsaw cut it out, you'll need to use decorators caulk to make the joint water tight. It's also a good idea to paint the timber sections that aren't bare inside the cut out with a wood stain to stop them from absorbing water and causing decay.
When you're happy that the flap is exactly where it should be and there aren't any gaps (it's recommended to check this frequently during the process), it's time to mark out the areas on your door where screws will be. Again, this is fairly easy to understand and should be outlined clearly in the instructions for your specific cat flap.
The final thing to do is to secure the cat flap into the appropriate position. It's a relatively easy process and should be very easy for anyone who's done it before. The only problem is when fixing into an UPVC or glass door, as they tend to have different thicknesses, which can cause problems when trying to fix a cat flap into them.
With cat flap fitting of patience, your cat will soon be using the flap and enjoying all the advantages that it offers. They will be able to have the luxury of being able to let them go in and out independently, without having to nag you to open the door for them. They'll be healthier and happier due to it.