2006-11-11 02:00:04 · 14 answers · asked by kev m 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
I propped the catflap open for a little while - then when he was used to going through it, I put the flap down and pushed him through it....
2006-11-11 04:32:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The food is a good idea but in my mind this could be a very hard road.
I suggest:
1.) Remove the flap bit completely, while you are at home and then:
2.) At meal times try calling the cats inside and leave the only means of entry via the open catflap.
3.) During play time, drag a piece of paper on a string through the door....reward him on either side with a bit of chicken.
4.) Stick a piece of lightweight cotton material where the flap should be but not all the way...fold half up...repeat above process
5.) Once he's used to this and he may need food reward for encouragement on the other side, fold the material all the way down.
6.) Let him get used to the feel of the material at meal times and play times. Once this is conquered see if you can introduce the catflap back.
Being gentle in your actions and persistent will pay off but it may take some time. Be patient and remember that cats are not as easy to train out of habits as other animals and choose quiet times with little distractions.
Good luck!
2006-11-11 11:42:39 · answer #2 · answered by eyevolve 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This method works if you have a greedy cat:
I'd suggest that you wedge the flap open, find Bruce & a supply of his favourite treats. Put yourself on one side & Bruce on the other (you might need two of you to do this) & stick your arm through the flap with the treat on the end, wave it under Bruce's nose & then slowly move the treat back (not all the way through the flap) then give it to Bruce.
Get another treat & repeat the process, this time give the treat to Bruce when his head is just at the entrance to the flap. Another treat & see if you can get Bruce's head to come through the flap to take the treat. Repeat either until Bruce is podged full or he walks through the cat flap.
Next day or much later, persuade Bruce through with the treat. Then release the flap. Bruce on one side, you on the other, shove your arm through & entice him, as he walks through let the flap brush gently against him. Repeat.
You should eventually get to the stage where you can put your hand through, show Bruce the treat & then remove your hand from the flap. Bruce will (hopefully) follow, pushing the flap out of the way by himself.
He'll then know how to use it. Whether or not will .... hmm, lol. He may still consider that you are his Butler & responsible for door opening ... that's cats for you!
2006-11-11 10:15:07 · answer #3 · answered by Solow 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
is the catflap for his litter box or for other reasons??
If its for his litterbox, good luck.. I have 7 cats and they hate the catflap.. I had to take it off their litterboxes...
If its for letting the little man outside, try taking some treats and guide him to the flap.. give him 1 and then put him through the flap. Go out and give him another 1 for doing it. then give him another one for good measure..You might have to do this for awhile since cats are far more stubborn than most animals...You could also try wet food .. Most cats love wet food and will do almost anything for it..place the food under his nose and when he gets a smell guide the food through the cat flap and have him follow...Show him where you put it and hope that it works..There are also good products out there that are elctronic thus removing the requirement from the cat to have to go through it by pushing on it. Website listed below.. If all else fails, open the door :) .. Some cats just don't like them.. Boy do I know this one .. Good luck
2006-11-11 10:26:00 · answer #4 · answered by Joann 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Takes time, but will have to remove the flap first and tease him with food on the other side. Get him to go through without the flap. Then gradually work the flap in and he'll get it. He's just a little "slow" and needs help from his human parents.
2006-11-11 10:08:49 · answer #5 · answered by amykstan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know it may sound cruel but it works. Just grab his two front paws and push them out the cat flap and guide his head out. I have done this with all my 4 cats who hated the cat flap and they have all used it since
2006-11-12 13:22:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got a cat flap to outdoors when my kittens were about six months old. I had to gently push them through it a few times before they got the hang of it and it didn't frighten them anymore.
2006-11-11 11:36:50 · answer #7 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
put some really tasty treats the other side of the flap lol he will not be able to resist them for long
2006-11-11 10:15:15 · answer #8 · answered by ♥fluffykins_69♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He will eventually get the idea from seeing the other cats use it.
2006-11-11 10:21:53 · answer #9 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have u tried treats? if u have 1 waiting for him on the other side
2006-11-11 15:15:33 · answer #10 · answered by gulucski 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋