Start by feeding them and playing near the flap. This will help them become familiar with the sound it makes when it closes and opens. It is also helpful when you add your cat's scent to the flap.
Then, let the flap open a little to give your cat a sense of movement. Try to entice them by holding their favorite treat or toys. Certain herbs (such as clary sage, cat germander and valerian) are arousing scent that cats love.
Installing the cat flap
A cat flap lets your cat to move around whenever it wants without opening the door or window. This will save you time, and reduce the chances of your cat getting involved in something it shouldn't. Even beginners can install cat flaps on windows or doors. The same can be done for walls, as well as in the wall.
To put a flap on a cat first, determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor and mark the height on the door that you would like to put it in. This measurement is crucial since cats vary in their belly height. The cat's entrance flap should be at least 10cm above your cat's waist height.
The next step is to drill the holes for the screws. Most kits come with a paper template to help you along, and using this will help you make sure that your holes are in proper positions. Choose a circular hole instead of a square hole to minimize the risk of the glass breaking later.
Once the holes have been drilled, you can start to put the flap on. It is important to be careful to align the edges of the cat flap with the door's edge. Once doors with cat flap has been installed it's an ideal idea to seal the inside of the front door and the back flap. This will help prevent cold drafts and also protect the flap from water damage.
There are a variety of cat flaps, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some are more expensive than others, but all should be easy for your cat to use. If you wish to restrict access to certain people, consider installing a secure flap that requires a microchip or collar tag to be activated.
Another option is to put in a magnetic cat flap, which is activated using a magnet. It is more expensive than other options, but is more secure and less susceptible to being caused by stray cats.
Teach your cat to use the flap for cats.
The cat flap opens up a whole new world for your pet. It provides your cat with more freedom and control over their food choices and bathroom visits. It may take time to get your cat to use the new door, but persistence will pay off. Follow these tips for training your pet to use the new flap. You'll soon have a happy cat that loves its freedom!
First, it's crucial to get your cat used to the sound of the flap opening and closing. If your cat is scared of this sound, they might be hesitant to go through the opening in any way. Practice it a few times per day, and offer your cat a treat each time they go through the opening.
Once your cat is used to the sound, it's time to teach them how to go through the flap. Begin by placing food treats just inside the flap opening and then encouraging your cat using their paws or their head to go through. You could also play with a toy that is tied to a string through the opening or even just holding your hand through the flap to draw their attention.
As your cat gets more confident going through the opening, you can lower the flap so that it covers a smaller portion of the opening. This will allow your cat to open the flap with their head or paw. Some cats prefer doing this using their paws while others prefer to push through the flap using their heads.
Close the cat flap then wait for your pet and reward them if they make it through. Repeat this every day for approximately a week and your cat will then be allowed to walk through the flap even if it is closed.
It's important to remember that you should never oblige your cat to use the cat flap, since it can cause stress for them and cause anxiety. Some cats will become comfortable using the flap on their own, while others may require patience and encouragement.
Get your cat to use the cat flap
A cat flap is a brand new and unfamiliar object for your cat, and it may take time for them to get used to using it. It is recommended to teach your pet to use the flap slowly. This will help to build their confidence, and they will become more comfortable with the idea. Positive reinforcement is a useful method, where your cat will be rewards with treats or toys when it approaches the flap. This method is widely recommended for training cats, as it encourages desirable behaviour.
Begin by luring them to the cat flap by using their favourite toys or food. This will get your cat interested in exploring and going through the flap. Once your cat is confident moving towards the flap, they can begin to move the toys or treats closer to the opening, until they are within the reach of their feet. Continue to praise them for going through, and gradually lower the opening of the flap so that they are able to move their head with it.
Some cats have trouble transitioning from a fully-open flap an enclosed flap difficult, so you could assist them by putting a clothes peg or binder clip on the flap so that it doesn't close completely but is slightly open. You can then lure them to open the flap by placing treats on the opposite side of the cat flap opening and call their name.
Once your cat is used to entering and exiting through the flap, you can start to remove the peg or clip and let them go through it with their heads or paws. After a few days, reward them for stepping in and out through the cat flap. Then, you can prop the flap up slightly and lure them with treats from the opposite side. Continue this practice for a few more days and you'll soon have a cat who can go through the flap independently. If your cat isn't using the flap after a while it's likely they aren't happy with it, or that it has become inconvenient for them. You may need to move the flap to a different location or adjust its sensitivity, or replace it entirely.
Fixing the cat flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go from the home without having to open the front door or get up. This lets them go out when they want to and not only when you're around and means that they won't be begging you to take a stroll around the block or meowing in the middle of the night if they need to go outside.
Fitting a cat flap to your door isn't as difficult as it may seem and is fairly self-explanatory If you follow the steps included in the kit you purchased. After you've cut the space using the aid of a jigsaw, apply decorators caulk to seal the joint. It's also a good idea to paint what will be the bare sections of timber inside the cut-out with a wood stain to stop them from taking in water and creating decay.
When you're sure that the flap is placed properly and that there aren't any gaps, it's the time to mark the areas on your door where the screws should be placed. Again, this is fairly simple to explain and should be mentioned clearly in the instructions specific to your cat flap.
The final step is to secure the cat flap into the appropriate position. It's a relatively easy procedure and should be easy for anyone who's done it before. The only slight complication comes when you attempt to install a cat flap inside the frame of a UPVC door or glass. These doors tend to be more thick and may cause some issues when installing a cat flap.
With a little patience, your cat will soon be able to utilize the flap to enjoy its benefits. They will be more relaxed and healthier if they can let themselves out and in on their own, rather than having to pester you to go outside.