How To Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Constantly letting your cat in and out of the door can get very tedious, but a cat flap can make things sooo much easier, giving your cat the freedom they want! If your cat is itching to explore the great outdoors at their own free will, you’ll need to know how to train a cat to use a cat flap, as it may take them a little while to get the hang of it if they’ve been used to the luxury of an open door! Whilst many cats take to using them quickly and without issues, others may need more training. So, whether your cat adjusts seamlessly or needs a little more coercion - we’ve got all the training tips for you.

If your cat isn’t a fan of the cat flap or you just don’t know where to start with it, we’ve got some top tips that will help you. Following these helpful pointers will make cat door training a breeze and your furry friend will be coming and going as they please!

Cat flaps should be introduced slowly to your cat so that they can get used to it in their own time. This can require some patience, but will make training less stressful, as cats can be very wary and stubborn if they don’t like something, so it could become tricky to purrrsuade them to even go near it if you try and rush it!

Before focusing on teaching your furry friend how to use the cat flap to get in and out, it’s important to get them used to being near one first. This can be done by bribing them to move closer to the door with cat treats.

To familiarise them with it a little more, show them how it works by opening and closing it, this helps them get used to the sounds that it makes and the way it looks when in use. Another great way to make the cat flap seem less like a foreign object is to rub your furry friend's scent over it to make them feel more comfortable with it, this can be done by wiping your cat's face with a cloth and then wiping the cloth over the cat flap.

Cats will be hesitant to move through the cat flap at first, so ease them into it by propping it open so they can see the outside world. This can encourage them to start using it and get used to the motions.

A lot of cats can adjust to using the cat door in as little as a week, but if you find that your feline friend is just not sure about it, then propping it open for a few hours a day for a couple weeks will do the trick, as this gives enough time for them to get used to it!

The best way to keep the cat flap open is by using some heavy-duty tape so that it stays in place. However, when you prop the cat flap open, make sure you are in the house to keep an eye on your kitty!

Treats are the most important part of this training! So make sure you have plenty on-hand, as you’ll definitely be needing them! Using treats is a great way to reward your cat for going near the cat door and, eventually, for using it without hesitation. They will make sure your feline friend will be up for being trained - even if they don't know it yet!

It’s important to use the treats in a tactical way, so when you are first introducing your kitty to the dreaded enemy (cat flap), putting a few tasty treats near the area of where it's placed will entice them to move closer to it. Once they are comfortable with being near the cat door, then you can try to put treats on the other side of the door to encourage them to walk through.

Some cats take to a cat flap more quickly than others. It's best to be patient and not rush or force your feline friend to take the plunge and fly through the cat flap.

For those really hesitant cats, regular training will be key, so continuing to encourage your cat every day or a few times a week to conquer the cat flap will pay off! To stay consistent, it’s best to train your cat around the same time everyday to get into a routine, such as just before feed time, as it will help your cat associate the cat flap with something positive.

When using your shiny new cat flap, it's important to establish a routine with your feline friend, as you may only want to let your cat out at certain times such as during the day.

Many cat owners opt to install a lockable cat flap, so that you can keep your kitty safe inside at night, but also keep unwanted guests out! A routine will ensure that your cat knows when they can and can’t go outside and this will stop them from getting confused.
Once your cat has mastered the art of using the cat flap (and not scratching at the door!!), you can leave them to get used to it and they won’t think twice about coming and going as they please through the magical door of Narnia. Be ready to only see your cute kitty at feeding times!

With all of these tips and tricks at hand, your cat will be strolling in and out and purrrancing in the great outdoors in no time! Make sure that you're prepared with lots of tasty treats for training and the purrrfect cat flap for your feline friend by shopping our range here at Jollyes!