How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Start by feeding them and playing near the cat flap. This will make them comfortable with the sound of it closing and opening. It can also help if you apply your cat's scent to the flap. Then, let the flap open a little to give your cat an impression of movement. Try luring them through by presenting their favorite treat or toy. Certain plants (such as clary sage, cat germander and valerian) offer a enticing scent that many cats love. Installing the flap for cats A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever it wants without you needing to open a window or door. This can help you save time and effort and also decrease the chance of your cat being involved in things that it shouldn't be. Cat flaps can be put in doors, windows and even on walls. They are easy to install, even for those who aren't experts in DIY. To install a cat flap on a door, measure the height of the cat's belly from the floor. cat flap fitting repairmywindowsanddoors . This measurement is crucial because cats differ in their belly height. The entrance of the cat flap should be at least 10 centimeters above your cat's waist height. The next step is to drill the holes for the screws. Most kits include a template on paper to help you along through the process, and this will help you ensure that your holes are in proper positions. Use a circular rather than square hole to minimize the risk of the glass breaking later. After the holes have been drilled after which you are able to install the cat flap. You will need to be sure to align the edges of the cat flap with the door's edge. Once the cat flap is in place, it is a good idea to apply sealant to the inside of the door as well as the flap's back. This will help prevent cold drafts and shield the flap from water damage. There are several types of cat flaps available each with its own pros and disadvantages. Some are more expensive, but they all should be simple to use for your cat. If you wish to restrict access to a certain group of individuals, you should consider installing a secure cat flap that requires a microchip or collar tag to be activated. Another option is to put in an electronic cat flap which can be activated with magnets. This option is more expensive, but it is more secure and less likely to be activated by stray cat. Teach your cat how to use the flap The cat flap is an excellent method to introduce your pet to a new world. It gives your cat more independence and control of their poop and foraging, plus it lets them hide in a safe area if they are afraid of the outside world. It may take some time to teach your cat to use the new door, but patience will pay off. Follow these steps to teach your pet how to use their new flap, and you'll have a happy cat who loves its freedom! It is essential that your cat is accustomed to the sound the flap makes when it is closed and opened. If your cat is scared of this noise, it may be reluctant to go through the opening in any way. Practise several times a day and reward your cat every time it goes through the opening. Once your cat is comfortable with the noise, it's time to teach them to go through the flap. Begin by placing a food treat in the opening of the flap and encourage your cat to walk through it with their head or paw. You can also play with a toy that is tied to a piece of string through the opening, or even just holding your hand through the flap to attract their attention. As your cat becomes more confident going through the opening You can lower the flap so that it covers a smaller portion of the opening. 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 using their heads. Close the cat flap and wait for your cat to come through it and offer them an incentive when they do. Repeat this daily for a week or so and your cat will become confident going through the flap with it shut. It's important to note that you shouldn't force your cat into using the flap. This can cause anxiety and stress. Some cats will get used to using the cat flap on their own while others may need encouragement and patience. How to get your cat use the cat flap A cat flap is a brand new and unfamiliar object for your cat, and it might take time for them to become comfortable with it. It is best to train your cat to use it slowly to build their confidence and help them become comfortable entering and exiting through the flap. Positive reinforcement is a useful method, where your cat gets reward with treats or toys when it is near the flap. This is a highly recommended method for cat training as it encourages desirable behavior. Begin by luring your cat to the cat flap opening with food or toys they love. This will make them more interested in exploring the flap and will inspire them to explore it. Once your cat is confident walking towards the flap, begin to move the toys or treats closer to the opening, until they are within reach of their feet. Reward them for navigating through and lower the flap gradually so that your cat can only use their head. Some cats find the transition from a fully-open flap to an enclosed flap 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 entice the cat in by placing the treat on the other side of the flap and calling their name. Once your cat is used to entering and exiting through the flap, you can begin to remove the peg or clip and let them play through it using their paws or heads. Try this for a couple of days, and continue rewarding them for entering and exiting through the cat flap, then begin to open it a bit and lure them in with a treat on opposite side of the flap. Continue this practice for a few more days and you'll soon have a cat that can go through the flap on their own. If your cat doesn't use the flap any more it is likely that they don't like it anymore or it has become too uncomfortable. You may need to move the flap to another place or adjust its sensitivities, 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 lets them go out when they'd like and not just when you're available and also means they won't be begging you to walk 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 may appear and is pretty easy to do when you follow the directions that are supplied with the kit you've purchased. After you've cut the area with the aid of a jigsaw, use decorators caulk in order to seal the joint. It's also recommended to paint the bare sections of timber inside the cutout with a stain for wood to prevent them from absorbing water and creating the rot. When you're satisfied that the flap is sitting exactly where it should and that there are no gaps (it's recommended to check this regularly during the process) then it's time to mark the areas on your door where the screws will be going. This is a simple process, and must be clearly stated in the instructions for your cat flap. The final thing to do is to secure the cat flap in place. This is a fairly easy procedure and should be easy for anyone who's attempted it before. The only minor issue comes when you attempt to install a cat flap on a UPVC door or glass. These doors tend to be thicker and can cause some problems when installing a cat flap. With a bit of patience, your cat will soon be using the flap and enjoying the advantages that it offers. They can take pleasure in the freedom of being able to let themselves go in and out independently, without having to pester you to open up for them. They'll be healthier and happier because of it.