Begin by feeding them and playing near the flap. This will make them familiar with the sound it makes when it opens and closes. You can also add the scent of your cat to the flap.
Next, prop the flap open to give your cat the impression of movement. Try to entice them by holding their favorite treat or toys. Certain herbs (such the cat germander, valerian, clarysage and clary sage) are enticing in scent that cats love.
Installing the cat flap
A cat flap lets your pet to move around whenever it wants without having to open the door or window. This will help you save time, and reduce the chance of your cat being involved in an incident it should not. Cat flaps can be put on windows, doors, and walls and are easy to put in, even for those who aren't experts in DIY.
To fit a cat flap, first take a measurement of the height of your cat's belly from the floor. Then mark this measurement on the door you want to install it in. It is essential to measure this height, since different cats have different belly heights. Ideally, the entrance of the flap for cats should be at a minimum 10cm higher than the height of your cat's belly.
The next step is to drill the screw holes. The majority of kits include a template on paper to help you along to follow, and it will allow you to make sure that the holes are in proper positions. Choose a circular hole instead of a square hole to minimize the risk of the glass breaking later.
Once the holes are drilled after which you are able to attach the cat flap. It is important to be careful to align the edges of the cat flap with the edge of the door. Once the flap is set, it's recommended to apply a sealant to the inside of the door and the flap's back. This will guard the cat flap against water damage and also prevent cold drafts.
There are many kinds of cat flaps, each with their own advantages and drawbacks. Some are more expensive than others, but all should be easy for your cat to use. Install a flap for your cat that is secure and requires a microchip tag or collar tag in order to open.
Installing a magnetic cat door that is activated by a magnet is a different option. This is more expensive, however it is more secure and is less likely to be activated by a wandering cats.
Teach your cat to use the flap
The cat flap is a fantastic method to introduce your pet to a whole new world. repairmywindowsanddoors provides your cat with more freedom and control over their food choices and bathroom trips. It's all about persistence to get your cat to use their new door. Follow these tips to teach your pet how to use the flap, and you'll soon have a happy cat who loves its freedom!
It's important that your cat gets used to the sound the flap makes when it closes and opens. If your cat is afraid of this sound, they might be reluctant to use the flap in any way. Practise a few times a day, and give your cat treats each time they pass through the opening.
Once your cat is accustomed to the noise, it's now time to teach them how to go through the flap. Begin by placing food treats within the flap opening and urging your cat to use their paws or their head to move through. You can also drag a toy that is attached to strings through the opening or hold your hands through it to draw their attention.
As your cat becomes more confident in using the opening You can lower the flap to ensure that it covers only a small portion of the opening. This will encourage your pet to push the flap open by using their head or paw. Some cats prefer to do this with their paws, while others choose to push through the flap with their heads.
Close the flap for your cat then wait for your pet and reward them when they do come through. Repeat this process every day for a week, and your cat will be capable of going through the flap even though it is closed.
It's worth pointing out that you should never make your cat use the cat flap, as it can be stressful for them and create anxiety. Certain cats will naturally become confident using the cat flap, while others will need more encouragement and patience to reach that point.
How do you get your cat to use the flap
It could take a while for your cat to get accustomed to the cat flap. It is recommended to teach your pet to use it slowly, which will build their confidence and help them become comfortable with the idea of being able to go in and out of the flap. Positive reinforcement is a great technique, where your cat gets reward with treats or toys when it is near the flap. This is a highly recommended method for cat training, as it promotes positive behavior.
Begin by luring them into the cat flap with their favourite toys or food. This will make your cat more interested in exploring and going through the flap. Once your cat is confident approaching the flap, start to move the toys or treats closer to the opening, until they are just within the reach of their feet. Keep praising the cat for making it through, and slowly lower the flap so that your cat can only use their head.
Some cats are unable to make the transition from a fully-open flap closing one difficult, so you could help them by placing a clothes peg or binder clip on the cat flap so that it does not close completely, but remains open. You can then entice them through by holding treats on the opposite side of the flap opening and call their name.
Once your cat has become accustomed to entering and leaving through the flap, take the clip, peg or other device and let them nip it with their paws or their heads. Do this for a couple of days, and continue rewarding the cat for stepping in and out through the cat flap, then you can open it a bit and draw them in with a treat on the other side of the flap. Keep this up for a couple of days and your cat will be able to use the flap by themselves. If your cat doesn't utilize the flap after some time it's likely that they're not happy with it, or that it has become inconvenient for them. It could be necessary to relocate the flap to a different place or adjust its sensitivities, or even have to replace it completely.
Fixing the flap on the cat
Cat flaps let your pet enter and exit the house without you having to open the door or stand up to let them in. This allows your pet to go outside when they want, not only when you are available. They won't be begging you to take them for a walk or meowing at night to let them go out.
It's not as difficult as it may seem to install a cat flap for your door. Follow the steps provided with the kit. After you've marked the door's opening and used a jigsaw cut it out, you'll need to use caulk for decorators to make the joint water tight. It's also an excellent idea to paint the timber pieces that are left inside the cutout with a stain for wood to prevent them from absorption of water and leading to the rot.
When you're happy that the flap is exactly where it should be and that there are no gaps (it's recommended to check this regularly during the process), it's time to mark out the areas on your door where the screws will be going. Again, this is fairly easy to understand and should be outlined clearly in the instructions for your specific cat flap.
The last step is to screw the flap in place. This is also pretty easy and is a very simple task for anyone who has attempted it before. The only slight complication comes when you try to install a cat flap in a UPVC door or glass. These doors are generally thicker and can present some difficulties when trying to install a cat flap.
With a bit of patience and patience, your cat will soon be using the flap and enjoying the benefits that come with it. They will take pleasure in the freedom of letting themselves go in and out on their own rather than having to nag you to open up for them, and they'll be happier and healthier because of it.