Start by feeding and playing near the flap. This will make them comfortable with the sound of it closing and opening. It also helps when you add your cat's scent to the flap.
Next, let the flap open a little to give your cat the impression of movement. Try to lure them in by holding their favorite food or an item toy. Certain herbs (such as cat germander, clary sage, and valerian) offer a enticing scent that cats love.
Installing the cat flap
A cat flap enables your pet to come and go as it pleases without opening the door or window. This will help you save time and also reduce the chance of your cat getting into something it should not. Cat flaps can be put on windows, doors and walls. They are easy to install, even for beginners in DIY.
To put a flap on a cat first determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor. Then, mark the height on the door you wish to place it on. It is crucial to use this measurement, as different cats have different belly heights. Ideally, the opening of the cat flap should be at least 10cm higher than your cat's belly height.
Next, you need to drill the holes for the screws. Most kits include a template on paper to help you through the process, and this will help you make sure that the holes are in proper positions. Use a circular instead of a square hole to minimize the risk of the glass breaking later.
Once the holes are made, you are now able to begin to put the flap on. Make sure you align the edges of the flap with the edge of the front door. Once the flap is in place, it is recommended to apply a sealant to the inside of the door as well as the back of the flap. This will prevent cold draughts and protect the flap from water damage.
There are a variety of cat flaps, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some are more expensive but they should all be simple to use by your cat. If you want to limit access to a certain group of people, you might want to consider installing a secure flap that requires a microchip or collar tag to be activated.
Installing a magnetic cat door that can be activated by a magnet is an alternative option. This is more expensive than other options, but is more secure and less susceptible to being caused by stray cats.
Your cat should be taught to use the flap
The cat flap can open up an entirely new world to your pet. It provides your cat with more autonomy and control over their food choices and bathroom visits. It's important to keep trying to get your cat to use their new door. Follow these steps to teach your pet how to use their new flap, and you'll have a cat that is awed by the freedom it offers!
Firstly, it's important to introduce your cat to the sound of the flap opening and closing. If your cat is scared of the sound, it might not want to go through. Practice it several times throughout the day and reward your cat each time it passes through the opening.
Once your cat is used to the sound, it's time to teach them how to walk through the flap. Begin by placing food treats in the flap's opening and encouraging your cat with their paws or head to go through. You can also try dragging a toy attached to a piece of string through the opening, or even putting your hands through the flap to attract their attention.
As your cat gets more confident going through the opening, you can lower the flap so that it covers only a small portion of the opening. This will encourage your cat to push on the flap with their head or paw to open it. Some cats prefer to do this with their paws, while others prefer to push the flap using their heads.
Close the cat flap and wait for your pet to come through and reward them when they come through. Repeat this process every day for an entire week and your cat will be capable of going through the flap even if it is closed.
It's worth pointing out that you should never oblige your cat to use the cat flap, as it can cause stress for them and create anxiety. Certain cats will be naturally comfortable with the flap, while others will require more encouragement and patience to achieve this.
Get your cat to use the cat flap
A cat flap is a brand new and unfamiliar item for your cat, and it might take a while for them to get used to using it. It is best to train your pet to make small steps to build their confidence and help them get comfortable being able to go in and out of the flap. The best method is positive reinforcement, which entails rewarding your cat with treats or toys as they come close to the flap. This method is widely recommended for cat training, since it promotes positive behavior.
Begin by luring your cat towards the flap with food or their favourite toys. This will make your cat more interested in exploring and going through the flap. Once your cat has become comfortable with 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 lower the flap gradually so that your cat will only use their head.
You can help some cats make the transition from an open flap to a closed flap by putting a clothes peg on the flap. This keeps it open and not completely close. You can then lure them to open the flap by placing a treat on the other side of the flap opening and yelling their name.
Once your cat is accustomed to stepping through and out of the flap, you are able to take off the peg or clip and let them go through it with their paws or heads. You can do this for a couple of days, and continue rewarding them for entering and exiting through the cat flap, then begin to open it slightly and draw them in with a treat on opposite side of the flap. Continue this training for a couple of days and your cat will be able use the flap by themselves. If your cat isn't able to use the flap anymore most likely because they don't like it anymore, or that it has become too uncomfortable. You may need to relocate the flap to a different location or adjust its sensitivities, or even need to replace it entirely.
Repairing the flap for the cat
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and return to the home without having to open the front door or get up. This lets them go out when 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 middle of the night if they have to go outside.
The installation of a cat flap onto your door isn't as difficult as it may seem, and it's fairly easy when you follow the directions included in the kit you purchased. After you have cut out the area with a jigsaw, you can use decorators caulk in order to seal the joint. You can also use wood stain on the bare sections of timber inside the cutout to prevent the wood from absorbing moisture and rotting.
After you're satisfied that the flap has been placed properly and that there aren't any gaps it's time to mark the areas on your door where screws are to be put in. This is easy to understand and must be clearly stated in the instructions for your cat flap.
The last step is to screw the cat flap in the correct position. cat flap double glazing is a fairly easy process and should be easy for anyone who's attempted it before. The only issue is when fixing into a 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 able to utilize the flap to enjoy all the benefits it offers. They will be happier and healthier when they are able to let themselves inside and out on their own, without having to nag you to do it.