how to get a cat to use a cat flap?? any ideas xx

Re: how to get a cat to use a cat flap?? any ideas xx

Dippy — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:40:10 GMT

My mum spent 12yrs with a piece of string tying the flap up in an open position as the damn cat would NOT use it to go into the utility room where the litter tray lived. We tried everything but in the end had to accept that we had to live with a force nine gale/draft for the lifetime of the cat or bring the stinky tray back into the tiny kitchen - I left home and mu chose the draft!

Re: how to get a cat to use a cat flap?? any ideas xx

Kate Claxton DipAVN(Med)VN — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:24:03 GMT

It took 8 weeks before our very nervous cat would use the Sureflap because of the loud click. We eventually cracked it by sellotaping it open during the day (strips of sellotape going up the perspex flap up to the door inside) and putting her favourite foods down rather than just her biscuits. She did sit on the step and yowl for quite some time but eventually her tummy motivated her to learn to use it - yes we also felt rotten because it absolutely poured down the weeks we were trying to introduce it! We did cave in a couple of times and put food out for her, or opened the door for her, but even then she still had to go out of the flap to get back out again which helped her realise that the noise was not going to kill her! Pushing them through it just gives them an aversion IMHO...persevere with propped open flap and keep telling yourself that it's only a temporary problem! We've had ours nearly two years now and wouldn't change back for the world - makes such a difference keeping the invaders out!

Re: how to get a cat to use a cat flap?? any ideas xx

Sal the 1st — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:00:30 GMT

can tell you what I did if it helps. Wiped it over with the felifriend and also put food the other side because one of mine is very food driven! - when mine started rubbing round the flap and 'accidentally' pushed against the flap and found it opened it ceased to be a problem (but we dont have a sureflap just a cheapie and I have come across people before who say the 'tunnel' type flaps can be a bit of a challenge) I didnt make a big thing of the flap to be honest but just let them explore it for themselves, and dont know if it made a difference or not but did have a box just to one side of it on the outside so they could feel safe if the great outside proved to be too scary