Expert: Dear Tabbi - 11/10/2008

Question
I a trying to teach my 8 month old cat to go through the cat flap but am not having any luck, do you have any suggestions at the best way to teach her how to use it?

Answer
Kayleigh,

Some cats take to the cat door/flap immediately, and others require more time.

DO NOT try to force and/or frighten the cat into going through it.  That is the #1 mistake people make. The most common way to scare the cat is to shove him through the pet door when it doesn't want to go. Don't do it! He may associate his fright with the cat door and avoid it in the future. Coax him through calmly and gently with a treat, etc., then praise him when he does. NEVER punish, raise your voice, get frustrated with the cat, or reprimand him when you are train him! That can undo any progress you have made and make him want to avoid the cat flap in the future because of the negative feelings he associates with it. Cats are all about association. BE PATIENT!

Some suggestions:

Try to get the cat to walk through the hole in the door first by taping the flap open, or remove the flap temporarily, until the cat gets used to the idea of going in and out of the hole.

You can tie the flap open, then rig the flap so it's still open, but less so each day, so that she can see through the space but must push past the flap. Maybe lower the flap an inch each day, until it's in the "normal" position. If it has a magnet, remove it, if you can, to make the flap easier to open at the beginning.

You might try rubbing the flap with catnip. The smell may make the cat want to 'head-butt' the flap which will help. Try tying up the flap in increments, and also use the catnip and see how that works. Try putting his most favorite food on earth on the other side of the flap so if he wants it he has to come through the kitty door. Something with a strong smell like sardines (in oil) or tuna.

You can also try a shoestring (or similar). Have the door open so you can be on both sides, Pull the string or whatever slowly out the bottom of the cat flap. As the cat is trying to catch the string he will be pushing on the flap as he tries to get it. Reverse the play, pull it from outside in so he realizes it goes both ways.

Training is slow and takes time AND patience. It can take a couple weeks (sometimes more) for the cat to accept something new like the cat door.

I hope this helps.

Tabbi