Cat Chat

Can old cats eventually get used to a cat flap?

We had to get new glass fitted in our back door. At the same time we got the man to fit a cat flap. My cats are terrified of the thing having not had to use one before. How can I get them used to it. I've tried the trick of enticing them with a treat, but that don't work. Anyone got any other ideas?
Thanks everyone. You've all been very helpful.

Public Comments

1. We just had a cat flap fitted and my cats are 18! they use it all the time

Try putting you cat through the cat flap and get someone to push him back in ect ect ect

Keep doing that and put the litter box outside (if you have one)

Then as they start to use it more regurally thn put their food outside and remove the litter tray

They should start to use it all the time :)

Hope i helped

2. You've got to shove them through it a few times. (sounds rotten)
They will find there's nothing to 'fear' on the other side and will
begin ( in no time) to use it themselves.

3. All they have to do is to get used to it. Put some food on the other side & while holding your cat, gently open the door towards the food & let go of the cat. See what happens. If one cat watches another do it, he is more apt to try it [again] himself.

Good luck. . I have 4 cats . . .

4. Yea

they will get used to it i had a cat flap fitted none of my cats went through it for weeks but in the end they did

well first my dog knocked it out of the door by trying to go through it and now there is just a hole which my cats go though.....and my dog (im not saying you should just make a hole in your door) but just wait they will get the hang of it in the end if you want to you can like tame them to come though it by like getting some cat biscuit's or cat treats and putting the cat on one side and you go on the other side open the flap and tempt the cat through eventually they will realise it gets them out side.

hope this helped x

5. They're only terrified because it's new and have to be shown it won't hurt them to use it. When our kitty door was new, my husband stayed on one side and me on the other and we kept playing with the cats and putting them through it with encouragement from the other side. They got used to it quite quickly after the first few times through it. Have someone help you and the first few times through the door, just hold it up and let the cats walk through. Next few times, hold it up, but let it touch them on the back and tail as they walk through. Next few times, let the full weight of the door drag across their backs and tails until they feel comfortable with that. The last leg of the training will be getting them to nose or paw the door by themselves and come on through to you. Have lots of treats handy, that also helps a lot. If they are still hesitant on the last step, put them outside, everyone else stay inside and just wait.....they will eventually come through, then reward them with lots of praise and treats! Good Luck.

6. my old cat has never got use to the cat flap in the summer i have to sellotape it open so that she can get in and out in the winter i'm not so sure its cold with it open.i use to try holding the c at flap open but she still would'nt go through so in the end after a lot of time and patence i gave uo still love her to bit though.