Start by feeding and playing near the flap. This will help them become familiar with the sound of it opening and closing. It also helps if you apply your cat's scent to the flap.
Next, move the flap slightly to give your cat an impression of movement. Try to lure them in by presenting their favorite treats or toys. Certain plants (such as cat germander, clary sage and valerian) offer a enticing scent that many cats love.
Installing the flap for cats
A cat flap enables your cat to move around at will, without opening the door or window. This will save you time and energy, as well as decrease the chance of your cat being involved in things that it shouldn't be. Even beginners can install cat flaps in windows or doors. The same can be done for walls, as well as in the wall.
To fit a cat flap, first determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor. Then, mark the height on the door that you would like to place it on. It is important to use this measurement, as different cats have different heights of their belly. The opening of the cat flap must be at least 10 centimeters above the waist of your cat.
The next step is to drill the screw holes. You can use the paper template that comes with most kits to ensure that your holes are in the right location. It is also an excellent idea to drill a circular hole, instead of a square one, as this reduces the chance of the glass breaking later on.
Once the holes have been drilled, you can start to fit the cat flap. Be sure to make sure that the edges of the flap to the edge of the front door. After the cat flap has been installed it's a good idea for you to seal the inside of the front door and the back flap. This will help prevent cold drafts and shield the cat flap from water damage.
There are several types of cat flaps that are available each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are more expensive but they all should be simple to use for your cat. Install a cat flap that is secure and requires an RFID tag or microchip tag to open.
Another option is to install an electronic cat flap which is activated using a magnet. This is more costly, but it is more secure and is less likely to be activated by stray cats.
Teaching your cat to use the flap
The cat flap opens up an entirely new world to your pet. It gives your cat more freedom and control over their food choices and bathroom trips. It may take some time to get your cat to use the new door, but perseverance will pay dividends. Follow the steps below to help train your pet to use the new flap. You'll soon have a feline who is happy and enjoys its freedom!
It is essential that your cat gets used to the noise the flap makes when it is closed and opened. If your cat is scared of this noise, it might be reluctant to go through the opening in any way. Try it out a few times during the day, and give your cat treats each time they pass through the opening.
Once your cat is comfortable with the sound, it's time to teach them how to go through the flap. Begin by placing a food snack inside the flap's opening and encourage your cat to walk through it with their head or paw. You can also try dragging a toy attached to a string through the opening or simply putting your hands through the flap to draw their attention.
As your cat becomes more comfortable with the opening, you can lower the flap so that it covers a smaller part of the opening. This will encourage your pet to push the flap open by using their head or paw. Some cats prefer using their paws to open the flap, while others prefer to use their heads.
Close the flap on the cat's side, wait for your pet and reward them if they make it through. Repeat this process daily for a week or so and your cat should become confident going through the flap with it closed.
It's important to keep in mind that you don't have to force your cat into using the cat flap. This can lead to anxiety and stress. Certain cats will naturally become comfortable using the flap, whereas others need more encouragement and patience to reach that point.
How to get your cat use the flap
It could take a while for your cat to get comfortable with the flap. It is recommended to teach your pet to make small steps, which will build their confidence and allow them to become comfortable going in and out through the flap. Positive reinforcement is a good method in which your cat will be rewarded with toys or treats when it is near the flap. This method is highly recommended for cat training, as it promotes positive behavior.
Start by luring them to the cat flap with their favourite toys or food. This will make your cat more interested in exploring and going through the flap. Once composite door cat flap has become comfortable with the flap, move the toys or treats closer to the opening until they are within reach of the paws. Keep praising them for passing through, and then gradually lower the flap's opening so that they are able to push their head through with it.
Some cats have trouble transitioning from a fully open flap to a closed one difficult, so aid them by putting a clothes peg or binder clip on the cat flap so that it doesn't close completely but is slightly open. You can then lure them in by placing treats on the opposite side of the cat flap opening and calling their name.
Once your cat is accustomed to stepping through and out of the flap, you can start to take the peg off or clip and let them nip through it with their paws or heads. You can do this for a few days, and continue rewarding them for entering and exiting through the cat flap, then you can open it a bit and draw them in by offering a treat on the other side of the opening. Continue with this training for several more days and you will soon have a cat who can use the flap independently. If your cat doesn't use the flap after a certain amount of time it's likely they're not happy with it or that it is no longer convenient for them. You may need to move the flap to a different location, adjust its sensitivity or replace it entirely.
Repairing the flap for the cat
Cat flaps let your pet enter and exit the house without needing to open the doors or stand up to let them in. 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 walk around the block or meowing in the late at night when they need to leave.
It's not as difficult as it appears to put the cat flap on your door. Follow the directions included with the kit. After you've cut the space using a jigsaw, you can apply decorators caulk to seal the joint. It's also a good idea to paint what will be the timber sections that aren't bare inside the cutout with a wood stain to stop them from absorbing water and leading to rot.
After you're satisfied that the flap is placed properly and that there aren't any gaps it's the time to mark the areas of your door where screws should be set. This is easy to understand and should be clearly explained in the instructions for your cat flap.
The final thing to do is to screw the flap in place. It's a relatively simple process and should be very easy for anyone who has done it before. The only issue is when fixing into an UPVC or glass door since these doors tend to have varying thicknesses and can cause some problems when trying to fix the cat flap to them.
With a little patience and patience, your cat will soon be using the flap and enjoying the advantages it brings. They will be healthier and happier when they can go out and in on their own, rather than having to nag you to let them in.