To encourage your cat to use the flap, begin by playing and eating close to it. This will make them familiar with the sound it makes when it opens and closes. You can also add your cat's smell to the flap.
Then, let the flap open a little to give your cat the impression of movement. Try to lure them in by grabbing their favorite food or an item toy. Certain plants (such as cat germander, clary sage and valerian) are arousing scent that cats love.
Installing the cat flap
A cat flap enables your cat to move around at will, without having to open the door or window. This will save you time, and reduce the chances of your cat getting involved in something it shouldn't. Cat flaps can be fitted on windows, doors and even on walls. They are easy to put in, even for those who aren't experts in DIY.
To fit a cat flap, first determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor and mark the height on the door you wish to place it on. It is important to take this measurement as different cats have different belly heights. The ideal opening of the cat flap 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 paper template to help you, and using this will help you ensure that your holes are in the right places. It is also a good idea to use a circular hole, instead of a square one, as this reduces the chance of the glass cracking later on.
Once the holes have been made, you can begin to fit the cat flap. Make sure you align the edges of the cat flap to the edge of the front door. Once the flap is installed, it is an ideal idea to apply sealant to the inside of the door and the flap's back. This will protect the cat flap against water damage and will also stop cold drafts.
There are a variety of cat flaps, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Some are more expensive than others, but all should be easy for your cat to use. If you wish to restrict access to a specific group of individuals, you should consider installing a secure flap that requires an RFID chip or microchip to be activated.
Another option is to install a magnetic cat flap, that can be activated by the help of a magnet. This is more expensive, however it is more secure and is less likely to be activated by stray cat.
Teach your cat to use the flap
The cat flap is a fantastic way to introduce your pet to a whole new world. It allows your cat more independence and control of their toilet and foraging as well as allowing them to go to a secure area when they feel threatened by the outside world. It's important to keep trying to get your cat to use their new door. Follow these tips to teach your pet how to use their new flap, and you'll have a cat who is awed by its freedom!
Firstly, it's important to introduce your cat to the sound of the flap closing and opening. If your cat is afraid of the noise, they may not want to go through. Practise several times a day and reward your cat each time it enters the opening.
Once your cat is accustomed to the sound, it's time to teach them to go through the flap. Begin by placing a tasty snack inside the opening of the flap and encouraging your cat to go through it using their head or paw. You can also try dragging a toy tied to a string through the opening, or even putting your hands through the flap to attract the attention of your cat.
As your cat gets more confident in using the opening then you can lower the flap so that it covers only a small portion of the opening. This will make it easier for your cat to press on the flap with their paw or head in order to open it. Some cats prefer using their paws to open the flap while others prefer using their heads.
Close the flap on the cat's side, wait for your pet and reward them if they do come through. Repeat this process every day for a week and your cat will be able to go through the flap even when it is closed.
It is important to note that you shouldn't force your cat to use the cat flap, since it can cause stress for them and create anxiety. Certain cats will naturally become comfortable using the flap, while others will require more encouragement and patience to get there.
How do you get your cat to use the flap
A cat flap is a novel and strange object for your cat, and it could take a while for them to become comfortable with it. It is recommended to teach your pet to use it slowly that will increase their confidence and help them become comfortable with the idea of going in and out through the flap. A great method is positive reinforcement, which entails rewarding your cat with treats or toys as they approach the flap. This is a highly recommended method 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 get them more interested in exploring the flap, and will encourage them to go through it. Once your cat is comfortable walking towards the flap then move the toys or treats closer to the flap until they are within reach of your paws. Reward cat flap installer near me Repair My Windows And Doors for making it through, and slowly lower the flap so that your cat will only use their head.
Some cats are unable to make the transition from a fully-open flap a closed one difficult, so help them by placing the binder or a clothes peg clip on the flap so that it doesn't close completely but is slightly open. You can then lure the cat in by placing the treat on the opposite side of the flap and calling their name.
Once your cat is accustomed to entering and exiting through the flap, you can begin to take the peg off or clip and let them play through it with their heads or paws. After a few days, reward them for stepping in and out through the cat flap. Then start to prop the flap slightly open and lure them in with treats from the other side. Keep this up for a couple of days and your cat will be able use the flap for themselves. If your cat doesn't utilize the flap after a certain amount of time it's likely they're not happy with it, or that it is no longer convenient for them. You might need to relocate the flap to a different place or adjust its sensitivities, or even have to replace it altogether.
Repairing the flap for the cat
Cat flaps let your pet come and go from the house without needing to open the front door or get up. This allows your pet to go outside when they want, not only when you're available. They won't be begging to go for a walk or yelling in the night to let them go.
It's not as hard as it may seem to install a cat flap for your door. Just follow the instructions included with the kit. After you have cut out the space using a jigsaw, you can apply decorators caulk to seal the joint. You can also put staining on the wood timber sections inside the cutout to prevent the wood from absorbing moisture and rotting.
When you're satisfied that the flap is exactly where it should be and that there are no 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 easy to understand and should be clearly stated in the instructions for your cat flap.
The last step is to screw the cat flap into the appropriate position. It's a relatively easy procedure and should be a breeze for anyone who has done it before. The only problem is when fixing into an UPVC or glass door, as these tend to have varying thicknesses and can cause some problems when trying to fix the cat flap to them.
With a little patience, your cat will soon be able to utilize the flap to enjoy all its benefits. They will take pleasure in the freedom of being able to let themselves out and in independently, without having to nag you to open the door for them, and they'll be happier and healthier as a result too.