An important life skill for your cat
is to learn how to use a cat flap.
Cat flaps aren't always easy for cats
to learn how to use, particularly if they're nervous
and don't like squeezing into small spaces
or having anything over their head.
So here are some simple steps
to help your cat learn how to come and go
as they please.
Keep training sessions to just
a few minutes each time.
Your cat should get the hang of it
in a few days, but every cat is different,
so be patient.
Step one. Prop open the cat flap.
To encourage them through, have something exciting
for them on the other side,
like a person with a tasty treat.
This acts as a reward to reinforce their behaviour
when they go through the flap.
After they've been rewarded for going through
a couple of times, leave the flap propped open
and give them space to access it on their own.
Step two. Lower the height of the flap slightly
and repeat the first part of step one,
encouraging them through with an incentive
on the other side.
If they cope well with the flap at the lower height,
reduce even more and repeat step one,
each time allowing them to explore
the flap on their own.
If they are not quite getting the hang of it,
return to an earlier step and continue the process.
Step three. The final step is to repeat step one
with a fully closed flap.
By this time, they should be full of confidence.
But if they are still struggling,
be patient and go back a step if you need to.
If your cat is particularly nervous
about things above their head,
try the cardboard box method first.
Place a large box open at both ends
in an open doorway and reward your cat
for walking through it, just like in step one.
Once they are confident walking through
this larger space, they may be ready
to tackle something a little smaller,
like a cat flap.
An alternative to a regular cat flap
is to have an electronic cat flap installed,
which is activated by your cat's microchip.
Not only do electronic flaps help reduce
your cat's stress by keeping neighbourhood cats out,
by ensuring your cat is microchipped,
you also have peace of mind they are
more likely to be found if they ever go missing.
For more information, please visit our website
or seek the advice of a qualified behaviourist
or trainer.