Start by feeding them and playing near the flap. This will aid them in becoming familiar with the sound it makes when it opens and closes. You can also add the scent of your cat to the flap.
Then, let the flap open a little to give your cat the impression of movement. Try to lure them in by holding their favorite treat or a toy. Certain plants (such as cat germander, clary sage and valerian) offer a enticing scent that cats love.
Installing the cat flap
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever it wants, without having to open a window or door. This will save you time and also reduce the chances of your cat being involved in an incident it shouldn't. Cat flaps can be put on windows, doors and even on walls. They are easy to install, even for those who aren't experts in DIY.
To fit a cat flap first measure the height of your cat's belly from the floor. Then mark the height on the door that you would like to install it in. This measurement is crucial because cats differ in their belly height. 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 the holes for the screws. You can use the template included in most kits to ensure that your holes are in the correct position. It is also an excellent idea to drill circular holes instead of a square one to reduce the possibility of the glass breaking later.
Once the holes have been made, you can begin to install the cat flap. It is important to be careful to align the edges of the cat flap with the door's edge. After the cat flap has been installed it's an ideal idea to seal the inside of the front door as well as 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 with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some are more expensive than others, but all should be easy for your cat to use. If you wish to restrict access to certain individuals, you should consider installing a secure flap that requires a microchip or collar tag to be activated.
Installing a magnetic cat door that is activated by a magnet is another option. It is more expensive than other options, however it is more secure and less likely to be triggered by stray cats.
Your cat should be taught to use the cat flap
The cat flap opens up a whole new world for your pet. It provides your cat with more independence and control of their poop and foraging and also allows them to retreat into a safe place if they are afraid of the outside world. It's all about persistence to get your cat to use their new door. Use the tips below for training your pet to use its new flap. Soon you'll have a happy cat that loves its freedom!
It is essential that your cat gets used to the sound the flap makes when it closes and opens. If your cat is afraid of this noise, it might be hesitant to go through the opening at all. Practice it several times throughout the day and reward your cat each time it enters the opening.
Once your cat is used to the sound, it's time to teach them how to walk through the flap. Start by placing cat flap fitters treats within the flap opening and then encouraging your cat with their head or paw to move through. You can also drag a toy that is attached to strings through the opening or put your hands through it to draw 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 encourage your pet to open the flap by using their head or paw. Some cats prefer using their paws to open the flap while others prefer using their heads.
You should then close the flap for cats and wait for your cat to pass through and offer them a treat in the event that they do. Repeat this every day for approximately a week and your cat will then be able to go through the flap even when it is closed.
It's worth pointing out that you should not make your cat use the cat flap since it can cause stress for them and create anxiety. Certain cats will be naturally confident using the cat flap, while others will need more encouragement and patience to get there.
How do you get your cat to to use the flap for cats?
A cat flap is a new and unfamiliar item for your cat, and it could take some time to become accustomed to it. It is best to teach your cat to use the flap slowly. This will help to build their confidence, and they'll become more comfortable with the concept. Positive reinforcement is a great method in which your cat will be rewarded with toys or treats when it is near the flap. This is a popular method for training cats, as it encourages good behavior.
Begin by luring your cat to the cat flap opening with food or toys that they enjoy. This will get them more attracted to the flap, and will inspire them to explore it. Once your cat is confident approaching the flap, start to move the toys or treats closer to the opening until they are just within reach of their feet. Reward them for getting through and slowly lower the flap so that your cat can only use their head.
Some cats have trouble transitioning from a fully-open flap a closed one difficult, so assist them by putting the binder or a clothes peg clip on the flap so that it doesn't close completely but is slightly open. You can then lure the cat to come through by placing the treat at the other side of the flap and calling their name.
Once your cat is used to entering and leaving through the flap you can remove the peg, clip or other device and let them play with it with their paws or heads. After a few days, reward them for stepping in and out through the cat flap. Then, start to prop the flap up slightly and lure them with a treat from the other side. Continue with this training for a few more days and you'll soon have a cat who can use the flap independently. If your cat doesn't utilize the flap after some time, it is likely that they aren't happy with it, or that it has become inconvenient for them. You may need to move the flap to a new location, adjust its sensitivity or even replace it completely.
Fixing the cat flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to come in and out of the house without needing to open the door or get up to allow them in. This lets them leave whenever they want to and not just when you're available and means that they won't be begging you to take a stroll around the block or yelling in the late at night when they need to leave.
The installation of a cat flap onto your door isn't as difficult as it might appear and is pretty easy to do If you follow the steps that are supplied with the kit you've purchased. Once you've mapped out the area in the door and then used a jigsaw cut it out, you can use some decorators caulk to make the joint water-tight. It's also recommended to paint what will be the bare sections of timber inside the cutout with a wood stain to prevent them from absorbing water and creating the rot.
When you're satisfied that the flap is sitting exactly where it should be and that there are no gaps (it's an excellent idea to check it regularly throughout the process) then it's time to mark out the areas on your door where screws will be going. This is self-explanatory, and should be clearly explained in the instructions for your cat flap.
The final thing to do is screw the flap on the cat. Again, this is pretty straightforward and again should be a very simple task for anyone who has done it before. The only slight complication is when fixing into an UPVC or glass door, as these tend to have varying thicknesses, which can cause problems when trying to fix a cat flap into them.
With a little patience, your cat will soon be using the flap and enjoying the benefits that come with it. They will be happier and healthier if they can let themselves in and outside on their own, rather than having to nag you to let them in.