Begin by feeding them and playing with the cat flap. This will help them become familiar with the sound it makes when it closes and opens. You can also add the scent of your cat to the flap.
Then, open the flap a bit to give your cat a sense of movement. Try to lure them in by presenting their favorite treat or toy. Certain plants (such as cat germander, clary sage and valerian) have an enticing aroma that cats love.
Installing the flap for cats
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever it wishes without needing to open a windows or door. This will help you save time and also reduce the chances of your cat getting involved in something it shouldn't. Cat flaps can be fitted on windows, doors and walls. They are easy to put in, even for beginners in DIY.
To install a cat flap on the door to measure the height of the cat's belly from the floor. Mark this point. This measurement is crucial, as cats vary in their belly height. Ideally, the entrance of the cat flap must be at least 10cm higher than your cat's belly height.
Next, you need to drill holes for the screws. Most kits include a paper template to help you, and using this will ensure that your holes are in correct positions. Use a circular instead of a square hole to decrease the chance of glass breaking later.
Once the holes have been made, you are now able to begin to install the cat flap. Make sure you align the edges on the flap with the edge of the front door. Once cat flap fitters near me is installed, it is a good idea to apply sealant to the inside of the door as well as the flap's back. This will protect the flap from water damage and prevent cold drafts.
There are many different types of cat flaps, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some are more expensive but they should all be easy to use for your cat. Install a cat flap that is secured and requires an RFID tag or microchip tag in order to open.
Another option is to put in a magnetic cat flap, which is activated using a magnet. This option is more costly, but it is more secure and less likely to be activated by stray cats.
Teaching your cat to use the flap
The cat flap is a fantastic way to introduce your pet to a whole new world. It gives your cat greater autonomy and control over their food choices and bathroom visits. It may take some time to train your cat to use the new door, but persistence will pay off. Use the tips below to teach your pet how to use the flap, and you'll have a cat that enjoys the freedom it offers!
It's important that your cat becomes accustomed to the sound the flap makes when it closes and opens. If your cat is scared of the sound, it might not want to go through. Practise a few times a day, and reward your cat a treat every time they pass through the opening.
Once your cat is comfortable with the noise then you can start teaching them to walk through the flap. Begin by placing a tasty treat in the flap's opening and encourage your cat to walk through it with their head or paw. You can also drag a toy attached to string through the opening, or slide your hands through it to draw the attention of your cat.
As your cat gets more comfortable with the opening You can lower the flap to ensure that it covers a smaller part of the opening. This will make it easier for your cat to press on the flap using their paw or head to open it. Some cats prefer to use their paws to open the flap while others prefer to use their heads.
Close the cat flap then wait for your pet and reward them when they come through. Repeat this every day for approximately an entire week and your cat will be allowed to walk through the flap even though it is closed.
It is important to remember that you should not force your cat to using the cat flap. This can lead to anxiety and stress. Some cats will naturally become comfortable with the flap, while others will need more encouragement and patience to reach that point.
Get your cat to use the flap
A cat flap is a novel and unfamiliar object for your cat, and it could take a while for them to become comfortable with it. It is best to train your pet to use it in small steps, which will build their confidence and help them get comfortable with the idea of being able to go in and out of the flap. The best method is positive reinforcement. This involves rewarding your cat with treats or toys when they approach the flap. This method is widely recommended for cat training, since it promotes positive behavior.
Start by luring them to the flap using their favourite toys or food. This will keep them interested in exploring the flap and will encourage them to go through it. Once your cat is comfortable with the flap then move the toys or treats closer to the opening until they are within reach of the paws. Keep praising them for getting through and lower the flap gradually to ensure that your cat is able to only use their head.
You can help some cats make the transition from an open flap to a closed one by placing a clothes peg on the cat flap. This will keep it slightly open and not completely close. You can then lure the cat to come through by placing the treat on the opposite side of the flap and calling their names.
Once your cat has become accustomed to entering and leaving through the flap, you can take the clip, peg or other device and let them nip it with their paws or their heads. After a few days, reward them for stepping in and out through the cat flap. Then start to prop the flap up slightly and lure them in with a treat from the other side. Keep this up for a couple of days and your cat will soon be able to use the flap on their own. If your cat isn't using the flap after a while it's likely that they're not happy with it or that it has become inconvenient for them. You may have to move the cat flap to a new location or adjust its sensitivity, or replace it completely.
Repairing the flap for the cat
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and return to the house without needing to open the front door or get up. This lets your pet go outside whenever they want, not just when you're around. They won't be pestering you to take them for a walk or yelling at night to let them go.
Fitting a cat flap to your door isn't as complicated as it might appear and is pretty easy to do when you follow the directions that are supplied with the kit you've purchased. After you have cut out the space using an jigsaw, you may apply decorators caulk to seal the joint. It's also an excellent idea to paint what will be the bare sections of timber inside the cutout with a wood stain to prevent them from absorbing water and leading to the rot.
When you're sure that the flap is placed correctly and there aren't any gaps it's time for you to mark the areas of your door where screws are to be placed. This is, in fact, pretty self-explanatory and should be stated clearly in the instructions for your particular cat flap.
The final thing to do is to secure the cat flap into the correct position. This is also pretty straightforward and again should be an easy task for anyone who has done it before. The only issue is when fixing into an UPVC or glass door as these tend to have varying thicknesses and can cause some issues when fixing a cat flap into them.
With a bit of patience Your cat will soon be using the flap and enjoying all the benefits that come with it. They will enjoy the freedom of letting them out and in on their own rather than having to nag you to open it for them and they'll be happier and healthier as a result too.