Emma Jones
When you have a day off, you often take on the job of the bouncer. Many cat owners get up several times a day to let their four-legged housemates in or out. With a cat flap, your house cat has the opportunity to leave and enter the house independently. This tool can usually be installed quickly – and with a little patience, your pet will learn how to use the cat door.
Why does the cat need a cat flap?
By installing a cat flap, you and your kitty will enjoy a lot more freedom. She now has access to the apartment and outside at any time of the day or night. Even if you’re not at home, your cat can go for a tour of the neighborhood. And if the weather is bad, she can get into the warmth in no time. On the other hand, you don’t have to constantly wait for your cat and can work, read or watch TV in peace.
Installing a cat flap – what do I have to consider?
If you want to install a cat flap for your velvet paw, be sure to clarify these points in advance:
- Do you want the cat door to go on one of the outside doors or do you want a product for the wall?
- Do you have sufficient manual skills or do you need a specialist for the installation?
- Is a simple model enough or do you prefer a cat gate with a sensor that opens only for your cat?
Before installing the cat door, tenants must also clarify with the landlord whether they are allowed to make structural changes to the wall or door.
How do I get the cat used to the cat flap?
Many cats need to learn how to use the cat flap. For some, showing them the door to freedom a few times is enough, others need a little more time and patience.
In order to get your pet used to the cat flap, it is helpful to open the flap door and fix it with adhesive tape the first time you try it. Cats usually accept a free opening for getting in and out quite quickly.
After a while, lower the door as you train, and lure the cat from the other side until it pops the flap open with its head or paw and steps over to you. Then praise her and give her a treat as a reward.
Why does the cat refuse the cat flap?
If the cat still does not use the cat door, it may be that it is afraid of it. Or your cat doesn’t understand the cat flap yet. In these cases, you should extend the exercises a little more. Do the following:
- Maintain a calm, relaxed atmosphere.
- Call your cat from the other side of the trap door.
- Use food or a toy as an additional lure.
- Raise the flap door until the kitty slips through the opening.
- When training, always raise the cat flap a little less until the cat opens it on its own.
Tips and tricks for cat flap training
If you want to teach your cat to use the cat flap, these methods have also proven their worth:
- Anxious cats are less likely to refuse the flap door if they have braver cats who can show them how to use it.
- When the cats are still small, natural curiosity and the urge to play usually win out. It is therefore advisable to install a cat flap at an early stage.
- Start practicing when your cat comes back from her trip outside and is hungry. Then she is particularly motivated to get inside.
Acclimating a cat to the cat flap can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on their personality. Always be patient and definitely wait until the kitty uses the door voluntarily. If you use coercion, the animal is startled – the fear of this innovation is all the greater afterward.
The efforts definitely pay off. Once the cat understands the function of the cat door, it usually goes through it without any problems and uses this offer regularly.