How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Author : Burke Sawyer | Published On : 02 Oct 2024

To get your cat to use the cat flap, start by playing and eating close to it. This will make them comfortable with the sound of it closing and opening. You can also add the scent of your cat to the flap.

Then step is to open the flap a little to give your cat the impression of movement. Try luring them through by offering them their favorite food or toy. Certain herbs (such as clary sage, cat germander, and valerian) are arousing scent that cats love.

Installing the flap for cats

A cat flap allows your pet to move around whenever it wishes without having to open a window or door. This will help you save time and effort, as well as reduce the risk of your cat getting into things it shouldn't be. Cat flaps can be fitted on windows, doors, and walls and are simple to install even for beginners in DIY.

To put a cat flap on the door, measure the height of the belly of your cat from the floor. Mark this point. This measurement is important since cats vary in their belly height. The entrance of the cat flap must be at least 10cm higher than your cat's waist.

Next, you need to drill the holes for the screws. Most kits include a template on paper to help you to follow, and it will ensure that the holes are in proper positions. It is also a good idea to use circular holes, instead of a square hole to reduce the chance of the glass breaking later on.

Once the holes have been made, you will be able to attach the cat flap. Make sure you make sure that the edges of the flap to the edge of the front door. Once the cat flap is installed, it's a good idea for you to seal the inside of the front door as well as the back flap. This will shield the flap from water damage and will also stop cold drafts.

There are many kinds of cat flaps, each having distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some are more expensive than others, however all should be easy for your cat to use. If you'd like to restrict access to certain individuals, you should consider installing a secure cat flap that requires a microchip or collar tag to be activated.

Another option is to put in a cat flap that is magnetic, that can be activated by magnets. This is more expensive than other options, however it is more secure and less prone to being caused by stray cats.

Teach your cat how to use the flap for cats.

The cat flap is an excellent method to introduce your pet to a new world. It allows your cat more independence and control of their foraging and toilet trips as well as allowing them to hide in a safe area if they are afraid of the outside world. It may take some time to teach your cat to use the new door, but patience will pay off. Follow these tips to help your cat learn 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 noise the flap makes when it is closed and opened. If your cat is scared of the sound, it may not want to pass through. Practise several times a day and reward your cat each time it enters the opening.

Once your cat is accustomed to the sound, you can begin training them to go through the flap. Begin by placing food treats just inside the flap opening and encouraging your cat to use their paws or their head to walk through. You can also drag a toy that is attached to strings through the opening or put your hands through it to attract the attention of your cat.

As your cat gets more confident in using the opening, you can lower the flap so that it covers a smaller portion of the opening. This will make it easier for your cat to press on the flap with their head or paw in order to open it. Some cats prefer to do this using their paws while others prefer to push through the flap with their heads.

Then, close the flap for cats and wait for your cat to pass through and offer them treats if they do. Repeat this process every day for a week, and your cat will be allowed to walk through the flap even when it is closed.

It's worth pointing out that you should never oblige your cat to use the cat flap, as it can be stressful for them and cause anxiety. Some cats will get used to using the flap on their own, while others may require patience and encouragement.

How to get your cat use the flap

It may take some time for your cat to get accustomed to the cat flap. It is recommended to teach your pet to use the flap slowly. This will help to build their confidence and they will become more comfortable with the idea. The best method is positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding your cat with treats or toys when they come close to the flap. This technique is widely used for training cats, as it promotes positive behavior.

Begin by luring them to the cat flap by using their favourite toys or food. This will get them more attracted to the flap, and will encourage them to go through it. Once your cat is confident in moving towards the flap, they can begin to move the treats or toys closer to the opening, until they are just within reach of their paws. Continue to praise them for navigating through and slowly lower the flap so that your cat can only use their head.

You can help certain cats make the transition from an open flap to a closed flap by putting a clothes peg on the flap. This keeps it open but not completely closed. You can then lure them in by placing a treat on the other side of the cat flap opening and calling their name.

Once your cat has become used to entering and leaving through the flap, remove the peg, clip or other device and let them nip it with their paws or heads. Try this for a few days, and continue rewarding them for entering and exiting through the flap. then begin to open it slightly and draw them in with a treat on the other side of the flap. Continue this practice for some more days, and you will soon have a cat that can navigate the flap independently. If your cat isn't using the flap after a while it's likely they are no longer happy with it or that it's become uncomfortable for them. You may need to move the flap to a new location and adjust its sensitivity or even replace it completely.

Repairing the flap for the cat

Cat flaps let your pet leave and come back to the home without having to open the front door or get up. This allows them to leave whenever they'd like and not just when you're available and also means they won't be pestering you for a walk around the block or meowing in the middle of the night if they have to go outside.

It's not as hard as it may seem to install the cat flap on your door. Follow the steps included with the kit. After read the article have cut out the area with the aid of a jigsaw, apply decorators caulk to seal the joint. It's also an excellent idea to paint what will be the timber pieces that are left inside the cut out with a stain for wood to prevent them from absorption of water and leading to rot.


When you're satisfied that the flap is sitting exactly where it should be and that there are no gaps (it's recommended to check this frequently during the process) then it's time to mark out the areas on your door where screws will go. Again, this is pretty easy to understand and should be outlined clearly in the instructions for your particular cat flap.

The final thing to do is to secure the cat flap into place. This is also pretty straightforward and again should be an easy task for anyone who has attempted it before. The only slight complication comes when you attempt to install a cat flap inside the frame of a UPVC glass or door. These doors tend to be thicker and can present some difficulties when trying to install a cat flap.

With a little patience, your cat can soon use the flap to enjoy the benefits it brings. They will be happier and healthier when they are able to let themselves inside and out on their own, instead of having to nag you to go outside.