Cats in a flap

[yinyang]

We put in a cat flap for our two 9 - year old cats at the weekend and it's obviously taking a bit of getting used to. They do go in and out it but only if I hold it open for them which kind of defies the purpose of it! Any tips? Thanks in advance. x

[s3ahors3]

put there food on the other side they will soon learn to go through it when they need the loo or get hungry lol

[RATTER14]

Try putting a temporary step either side so its easier for the cat to investigate opening the flap, gives them a little more confidence.

[luckyeight]

It will just take them a getting used to, so don't worry... They understand how to use it and when they want to come in or go out they will use the flap.. My cat was exactly the same at first with the catflap and still prefers it to be held open ! But it will just take them a while to get into the habit of using the flap.. Hold it open for them for about a week and then just let them get on with it - they'll be fine!

[Kaz081992]

For mine we tied it open so he got used to the fact that he could go in and out that way. After a few days we lowered the flap down but wedged it slightly open with one of his toys to encourage him to push the rest of it open to get to his toy / and to get in. After a few days of this he realised that he only had to nudge the flap to get in and out and we were able to leave it down properly.

[puddycat]

Not much help to you but my cat hated ours. He got used to sitting in front, catching onto the flap, lifting it then letting it drop so it banged against the door. He'd do this over and over and over again until eventually you'd get up and let him out just so he'd shut up.

Ps - Don't let your cats read this in case they get ideas!

[yinyang]

thanks everyone. Some good ideas there and nice to know my 2 aren't the only ones to like it being held open. Cats really do think they are Gods, don't they! x

[nickmo]

Come on YY - you know that people own dogs, but cats own people . . . .

[heathfield]

Instead of opening the flap, try picking the cat up and pushing him/her through it. He/she should get the idea of it more quickly.

[yinyang]

I did try that, heathfield. Yang went through ok but when I tried it with Yin it was like a cartoon. He got one paw on the door on either side of the cat flap and resisted with his little back legs cycling madly. So I gave it up as a bad idea. :~)

[luckyeight]

Kaz's suggestion of wedging open the flap is also a trick I used and it does seem to encourage them to use it.
Yin - the problem is exactly that cat's seem to think they are far too regal to use such a 'tradesman's entrance'! But they soon start appreciating that they can be very independent using the flap... My cat will still mew for the door to be opened if I am near it - rather than use the flap! (Which she does quite merrily if I am not around...) !