How to train a cat to use a cat flap?

 

Some cats will approach a cat flap with curiosity, while others may be a bit more wary. Here, Author explains how to teach a cat to use a cat flap with confidence – just five steps.

1. Introduce the cat flap

Initially, keep the cat flap locked, and begin by simply feeding and playing with your cat nearby. Anything you can do to create positive associations with the cat flap, such as leaving food treats in front of it, is helpful.

2. Open the cat flap

Prop the cat flap open with heavy-duty tape to make an inviting opening for your cat to move through. Timid cats, especially, will appreciate being able to look out and see what awaits them on the other side.


 3. Use rewards

With a person on either side of the open cat flap, use high-value food treats (perhaps some chicken or fish, or other favourite snack) to entice your cat in or out. Alternatively, you could use a toy to tempt her through the opening.

4. Take it slowly

Repeat the above a few times a day, for a week or so. Some cats will quickly become confident moving through the cat flap, while others may take longer to get used to the idea. Never force your cat through the opening, especially if you sense resistance from her. As with all training , practice makes perfect. This is really about creating natural confidence in your cat.

5. Drop the cat flap door

As your cat becomes more familiar with the opening, you can then drop the flap, so that she has to push lightly to open it. Once she’s comfortable doing this, she should be able to come and go as she pleases whenever you leave the cat flap unlocked.

You need to patient when training your cat to use a cat flap. Do not force your cat through the flap at any stage in the process; this may upset them and put them off using the cat flap.

Treats are usually the way to any cat’s heart, even a stubborn one, so this is a foolproof method for getting your cat to love their kitty door.

The above is the introduction on how to train cats to use cat flaps, I hope it will be useful to you.

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