A cat flap can be a great way to give your cat more freedom, while protecting your home from the cold and unwanted visitors. But not every cat immediately understands how a cat flap works. In this blog we explain step by step how you can teach your cat to use the cat flap.
Why a cat flap is useful
A cat flap gives your cat the freedom to go outside and inside without you having to open the door every time. This is especially useful if you have a busy schedule or your cat wants to go outside at night. In addition, a cat flap prevents doors from being left open, which can reduce draughts and heat loss.
Step 1: Choose the right cat flap
Before you start training, it is important to choose the right cat flap. There are several types of cat flaps available, including:
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Standard cat flaps : Simple flap doors that your cat can use freely.
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Magnetic cat flaps : Open only for cats wearing a matching collar.
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Microchip cat flaps : Recognize your cat's chip and only allow registered cats in.
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Electronic cat flaps : Work with a sensor and can be programmed for times.
Choose a cat flap that suits your situation and your cat's needs.
Step 2: Familiarize your cat with the cat flap
Not all cats immediately understand what a cat flap is. To familiarize your cat with the flap, you can use the following methods:
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Let your cat investigate the cat flap . Let him sniff it and reward him with a treat if he shows interest.
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Hold the flap open . Use tape or a hook to hold the flap open so your cat can walk through the opening without resistance.
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Let your cat look through the flap . This helps him understand that there is a way through.
Step 3: Use rewards and positive association
Cats learn best through positive reinforcement. Use the following techniques to encourage your cat to use the cat flap:
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Treats and Toys : Hold a treat or favorite toy on the other side of the cat flap to entice your cat.
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Food Lure : Place a small bowl of food just behind the cat flap so that your cat has to go through it to get to it.
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Patience and repetition : Some cats need several days to understand how it works. Stay calm and practice regularly.
Step 4: Teach your cat to push the flap itself
Once your cat goes through the open doorway without hesitation, it's time to teach him to open the door himself:
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Lower the flap a little bit . Don't keep it fully open anymore, but let it hang down a little so that your cat has to push it himself.
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Reward small successes . Give your cat a treat when he pushes his paw or nose against the flap.
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Gradually increase the difficulty level . Lower the flap further and further until your cat dares to go through the fully closed cat flap.
Step 5: Overcome fear and resistance
Some cats are wary of using an unfamiliar opening. Here are some common obstacles and how to overcome them:
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My cat is afraid of the noise : Some cat flaps make noise when opening or closing. Practice by gently moving the flap back and forth so that your cat gets used to it.
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My cat doesn't understand that he can get through : Use your hand to gently push the flap against his nose so that he feels the movement.
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My cat refuses to go through the flap : Give him extra time and don't force him. Sometimes it helps to have a second cat show him how it works.
Common Problems and Solutions
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My cat only goes inside but not outside : Practice luring in both directions.
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My cat won't use the flap at night : Make sure the outside area is safe and well lit.
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Other cats are using the cat flap : Consider a microchip cat flap so that only your cat has access.
Conclusion
With patience and positive reinforcement, you can easily train your cat to go through a cat flap. Start with an open flap, use treats, and gradually increase the difficulty. This will give your cat the freedom to go outside and inside on their own without any hassle.
