How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap To get your cat to use the flap, begin by playing and eating close to it. This will help them become comfortable with the sound of it closing and opening. It also helps to apply your cat's scent to the flap.

Next, open the flap a bit to give your cat a sense of movement. Try luring them to come through by presenting their favorite treat or toy. Certain plants (such as clary sage, cat germander and valerian) offer a enticing scent that cats love.

Installing the cat flap

A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever it wants, without needing to open a windows or door. This can save you time and energy and reduce the likelihood of your cat getting into things it shouldn't be. Cat flaps can be fitted in windows, doors and even on walls. They are easy to install, even for beginners in DIY.

To install a cat flap on the door, measure the height of the belly of your cat from the floor. Mark this area. It is important to take this measurement as different cats have different heights of their belly. The cat's entrance flap must be at a minimum of 10cm higher than your cat's waist height.

The next step is to drill the holes for the screws. You can use the template that comes with most kits to ensure your holes are in their correct position. Use a circular rather than square hole to minimize the chance of glass breaking later.

Once the holes have been drilled, you can start to fit the cat flap. Be sure to make sure that the edges of the cat flap to the edge of the front door. Once the flap is in place, it is a good idea to apply sealant to the interior of the door and the back of the flap. This will protect the cat flap against water damage and prevent cold drafts.

There are a variety of cat flaps, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some are more expensive than others, however they should all be easy for your cat to use. If you'd like to restrict access to a certain group of people, you might want to consider installing a secure cat flap that requires the use of a microchip or collar tag to be activated.

Installing a magnetic cat door that can be activated by a magnet is another option. repairmywindowsanddoors is more costly, but it is more secure and less likely to be activated by a wandering cats.

Teach your cat to use the flap

The cat flap opens a whole new world for your pet. It allows your cat more control and independence in their toilet and foraging as well as allowing them to retreat into a safe place when they feel threatened by the external world. Persistence is key to getting your cat to use their new door. Use the tips below to help your cat learn to use the flap, and you'll soon have a happy cat who loves its freedom!

First, it's crucial to introduce your cat to the sound of the flap opening and closing. If your cat is afraid of this sound, they might be hesitant to use the flap in any way. Practice it a few times per day, and offer your cat treats each time they pass through the opening.

Once your cat is accustomed to the sound, it's time to teach them how to walk through the flap. Start by placing food treats just inside the flap opening and urging your cat using their paws or their head to move through. You can also try dragging a toy tied to a string through the opening, or even putting your hand through the flap to attract their attention.

As your cat grows more confident, you can lower it so that only a small portion of the opening is covered. This will stimulate your cat to press on the flap using their head or paws in order to open it. Some cats prefer to do this with their paws, while others choose to push the flap with their heads.


Close the flap for your cat and wait for your pet to come through and reward them when they do come through. Repeat this daily for about a week, and your cat should feel comfortable going through the flap while it is shut.

It is important to remember that you don't have to force your cat into using the cat flap. This could cause stress and anxiety. Certain cats will be naturally confident using the cat flap, while others will need more encouragement and patience to reach that point.

Instruct your cat to use the cat flap

It could take a while for your cat to get accustomed to the cat flap. It is best to train your cat to use it in small steps to build their confidence and allow them to become comfortable with the idea of going in and out through the flap. A good technique is positive reinforcement, which entails rewarding your cat with treats or toys when they come close to the flap. This method is highly recommended for cat training as it can encourage desirable behavior.

Begin by luring your cat towards the cat flap opening with food or their favourite toys. This will make them more attracted to the flap, and will make them more inclined to explore it. Once your cat is confident in 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 gradually lower the flap to ensure that your cat is able to only use their head.

Some cats are unable to make the transition from a fully-open flap to closing one difficult, so you could help them by placing a clothes peg or binder clip on the cat flap so that it doesn't shut completely but is open. You can then entice the cat in by placing the treat on the other end of the cat flap and calling their name.

Once your cat has become comfortable with entering and exiting through the flap, you can take the clip, peg or other device and let them nip it with their paws or heads. After several days, reward them for stepping in and out through the cat flap. Then, you can prop the flap open and lure them in with a treat from the other side. Continue to train them for a few more days and you will soon have a cat that can navigate the flap on their own. If your cat doesn't utilize the flap after a while, it is likely that they're not happy with it or that it's become uncomfortable for them. It is possible to relocate the cat flap to a new place, adjust its sensitivity or replace it entirely.

Fixing the cat flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back to the house without needing to open the front door or get up. This lets them go out whenever they want to and not just when you're there and means that they won't be pestering you for a walk around the block or meowing in the middle of the night if they need to leave.

It's not as hard as it may seem to install the cat flap to your door. Follow the steps provided with the kit. After you have cut out the area using the aid of a jigsaw, use decorators caulk in order to seal the joint. You can also put staining on the wood timber pieces within the cutout to stop them absorbing water and decaying.

When you're satisfied that the flap is sitting exactly where it should be and there aren't any gaps (it's recommended to check it regularly throughout the process), it's time to mark out the areas on your door where screws will be going. This is, in fact, pretty easy to understand and should be outlined clearly in the instructions for your particular cat flap.

The final step is to screw the cat flap in place. It's a relatively simple process and should be a breeze for anyone who has done it before. The only slight complication comes when you attempt to install a cat flap inside the frame of a UPVC door or glass. These doors are generally thicker and can cause some problems when installing a cat flap.

With a little patience, your cat will soon be able to utilize the flap to enjoy the benefits it offers. They will be happier and healthier if they can let themselves in and outside on their own, rather than having to nag you to do it.